Drama And Theatre Pedagogies In The 21st Century

Designed for Drama educators looking to enhance their professional practice, this course explores contemporary approaches to teaching Drama, Theatre and Performance within today's educational landscape. Drawing on historical perspectives, current education policy and influential pedagogical thinking, participants will develop the knowledge and confidence to innovate their teaching and advocate for high-quality Drama education.

The course examines the evolution of Drama education, the role of Drama within the curriculum, creative pedagogies and the impact of digital technologies on teaching and learning. Through a blend of theory and practical application, participants will strengthen their ability to plan, deliver and evaluate engaging Drama learning experiences across a range of educational settings.

To view the module descriptor (PERF09019), please visit Programme Specifications and Module Descriptors.

 

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for educators who want to enhance their Drama teaching practice and develop contemporary pedagogical approaches that engage learners across a range of educational settings.

It is particularly relevant for:

• Primary and secondary school Drama teachers
• Further Education lecturers delivering Drama, Theatre or Performance
• Newly qualified Drama educators looking to build confidence and broaden their teaching approaches
• Experienced Drama educators seeking to refresh and enhance their professional practice
• Educators with responsibility for planning, delivering and evaluating Drama learning experiences
• Professionals who want to develop specialist expertise in contemporary Drama pedagogy and creative education

 

Why take this course?

Drama education continues to evolve in response to changing curricula, new technologies and a growing emphasis on creativity, collaboration and learner engagement. Educators are increasingly expected to draw on a broad range of pedagogical approaches, adapt their practice to contemporary educational contexts and demonstrate the value of Drama as a powerful tool for learning across the curriculum.

This course helps you strengthen your teaching practice by exploring contemporary Drama pedagogies, influential educational thinkers and current policy developments. You will examine how historical perspectives continue to inform modern practice, consider the role of digital technologies in Drama education, and develop the confidence to plan, deliver and evaluate engaging learning experiences that meet the needs of today's learners.

 

What you will learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Apply key theories and principles of Drama education to inform effective teaching practice
• Select, justify and implement contemporary Drama pedagogies that support engaging and meaningful learning experiences
• Plan and deliver Drama activities that align with current educational policy and curriculum expectations
• Critically evaluate the effectiveness of your teaching and use reflective practice to enhance future learning experiences
• Confidently integrate innovative approaches, including appropriate digital technologies, to enrich Drama education in contemporary learning environments

 

How you will learn

This course is delivered through a blended learning model, combining live online webinars with on-campus practical sessions to provide both flexibility and hands-on learning. Participants will engage with guided learning materials, practical activities and tutor-led sessions that support the application of contemporary Drama pedagogies in educational settings.

The course comprises approximately 200 hours of learning, including 36 contact hours delivered through lectures, practical workshops and tutorial support, alongside around 144 hours of independent study. Learning materials, discussion forums and assessment submission are supported through the University's virtual learning environment.

This flexible delivery model enables participants to balance professional commitments while developing practical teaching approaches they can apply directly within their own educational context.

 

Course content

• The evolution of Drama education

Explore the historical development of Drama education and examine how influential ideas continue to shape contemporary teaching practice.

• Contemporary Drama pedagogies

Develop an understanding of key educational theories and pedagogical approaches that support creative, inclusive and engaging Drama learning experiences.

• Drama in today's curriculum

Examine the role of Drama within current education policy and curriculum development, considering how educators can advocate for the subject in modern educational settings.

• Creativity and innovation in teaching

Explore how established and emerging approaches, including digital technologies and new media, can enhance teaching, learning and learner engagement in Drama education.

• Planning and delivering effective learning

Apply contemporary pedagogical principles to design, deliver and evaluate practical Drama lessons and workshops that meet the needs of diverse learners.

• Reflective professional practice

Develop the skills to critically evaluate your teaching, reflect on learner outcomes and identify opportunities for continuous professional development and improvement.

 

Assessment

Assessment is designed to help you apply contemporary Drama pedagogies in realistic teaching contexts, demonstrating your ability to translate educational theory into effective classroom practice.

You will complete two complementary assessments: the planning and delivery of a practical Drama lesson or workshop, underpinned by relevant pedagogical theories and approaches, and a reflective evaluation of your teaching practice. Together, these assessments develop your ability to design engaging learning experiences, justify your pedagogical choices, critically evaluate their effectiveness and identify opportunities to enhance future professional practice.

 

Applying your learning

Throughout the course, you will:

• Apply contemporary Drama pedagogies when planning and delivering engaging learning experiences
• Reflect on your teaching practice and evaluate the effectiveness of different pedagogical approaches
• Explore creative strategies that respond to current curriculum developments, educational policy and the needs of diverse learners
• Develop practical teaching approaches through collaborative learning, independent enquiry and hands-on application

You will leave with:

• Greater confidence in designing and delivering innovative Drama learning experiences
• Enhanced capability to apply contemporary pedagogical approaches within a range of educational settings
• Practical skills to evaluate and continually improve your teaching through reflective professional practice
• A stronger ability to advocate for high-quality Drama education and contribute to curriculum innovation within your organisation

 

Entry requirements

This course is designed for educators who want to enhance their knowledge of contemporary Drama pedagogy and strengthen their professional teaching practice.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. It is suitable for Drama educators at any stage of their career and is particularly relevant for those working in primary schools, secondary schools and Further Education colleges. As this is an SCQF Level 9 course, participants should be prepared to study at undergraduate level.

 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be awarded 20 credits at SCQF Level 9.

These credits may contribute towards further undergraduate study at UWS, where appropriate and in accordance with University regulations.

 

Sector and workforce relevance

Drama educators play a vital role in developing creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking across education. As curricula continue to evolve and digital technologies become increasingly embedded in teaching and learning, educators need contemporary pedagogical approaches that engage learners while responding to changing educational priorities.

This course reflects current educational practice by combining established Drama education theory with contemporary approaches, curriculum developments and the use of digital technologies. Participants will strengthen their ability to design innovative learning experiences, enhance learner engagement and contribute to high-quality Drama education across a range of educational settings.

 

NOTE: This is a university module and upon approval of your application, you will be invited to register and then supported to complete enrolment. To enrol on the university system, the first step involves security set-up using the Microsoft Authenticator app; you will need to ensure that you have a compatible smartphone.

Further enrolment information is available at the Student Information Portal.

To access this module via the CPD route, individuals should be ordinarily resident in Scotland.