Child Studies in Asia-Pacific Contexts

Korean Association of Child Studies (한국아동학회)
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A Case Study of Drama Education for Kindergarten Children in the United States: Drama Specialists' Beliefs and Practices

  • Wee, Su-Jeong (Department of Behavioral Sciences, Purdue University Calumet)
  • Received : 2011.04.07
  • Accepted : 2011.07.05
  • Published : 2011.08.31
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Abstract

This case study examines two drama specialists' perspectives on the purpose of drama education and how their visions and beliefs are reflected in their drama practices during a sixweek kindergarten drama program. Two experienced drama specialists who have worked at public elementary schools located in the Midwestern United States were the main participants of this case study. Using a qualitative case study method, in-depth observations and semistructured interviews were carried out. Findings show that the drama specialists believed the purpose of drama education to be the building of self-confidence, creativity, awareness of the arts and respect for others. Both congruent and inconsistent relations between their beliefs and their teaching practices were observed. Based on these findings, an understanding of how specialists' beliefs and practices contribute to a broader understanding of drama education is further discussed.

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