Acting Out  (Full-Class Learning)

OVERVIEW

Sometimes, no matter how clear a verbal or visual explanation is, some concepts and procedures don’t sink in.  One way to help develop a picture of the material is to ask some students to act out the concepts or walk through the procedures you are trying to get across.

PROCEDURE

1.  Choose a concept (or a set of related concepts) or a procedure that can be illustrated by acting it out. Some examples include:
  • Sentence construction
  • Finding a common denominator
  • Corporeal (heart) circulation
  • Gothic architecture
2.  Use any of the following methods:
  • Have some students come to the front of the room and ask them to simulate physically aspects of the concept or procedure.
  •  Create large cards that name the parts of a procedure or concept. Give out cards to some students. Place students with cards in such a way that the cards are correctly sequenced.
  • Develop a role play in which students dramatize the material you are teaching
  • Using volunteer students, walk through a step-by-step procedure.
3.  Discuss the learning drama that you have created. Make whatever teaching points you want.

VARIATIONS

1.  Videotape a group of students illustrating the concept or procedure and show it to the class.
2.  Ask students to create a way to act out a concept or procedure without your guidance.

 

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