Back to search

University of San Francisco

Creating Theatre-Based Curriculum for use in the ESL/EFL Language Classroom: A Model

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>Many countries require the study of the English language as part of the standard curriculum in K-12 schools. Unfortunately, many students lack the interest and motivation to learn, despite English’s potential to open future academic and professional doors. This is particularly true for students living in countries where English is not a nationally spoken language. They receive no language support from their surrounding environment, which affects their rate of language acquisition. Coupled with a prevalence of out-of-context materials and non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) who may be unable to impart the non-verbal and cultural implications of the language, students are at a disadvantage. This project addresses these concerns through the use of Drama as a framework for developing an English-language curriculum centered on theatre and performance. Dramatic writing and performance has been positively linked to language acquisition. It builds intrinsic motivation, fosters collaboration through practical use of the language, and has been found to improve writing, pronunciation and overall fluency. This model shows how educators and administrators can take their pre-existing curriculum and materials, and transform them into a theatre-focused program, while maintaining their language goals and program objectives.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Level thesis:degree_level
Project/Capstone - Global access
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
International and Multicultural Education (IME)
Year dc:date.available
2014

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Williams-Fleck, Alexandra
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Dr. Stephen Cary
  • Dr. Onllwyn C. Dixon
  • Dr. Monisha Bajaj

Subjects

dc:subject × 8

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/90
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:repository.usfca.edu:capstone-1093

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of San Francisco
Base URL
repository.usfca.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Williams-Fleck, Alexandra. Creating Theatre-Based Curriculum for use in the ESL/EFL Language Classroom: A Model. Project/Capstone - Global access thesis, 2014. https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/90