Can Keith Johnstone's techniques be used to fulfil the Effective Contributor Capacity for Expressive Arts in the Curriculum for Excellence?

Abstract

This study determines whether Keith Johnstone's improvisational techniques and approach to facilitating workshops can fulfil the aims of the Effective Contributor capacity for Expressive Arts within the current education system in Scotland; the Curriculum for Excellence. To conduct this research, four practical drama workshops were carried out with a Primary 7 class in Midlothian. Focusing on a different topic each week, the workshops were influenced by Keith Johnstone and formed of his improvisational exercises. Data was gathered in a variety of ways to measure the effectiveness of the exercises used. During these workshops, observations were made by the researcher and the participants completed questionnaires and wrote in a reflective floor-book, providing ongoing feedback on the development of their skills in relation to the Effective Contributor Capacity. After the final workshop, an interview was held with the class teacher, to present these findings and gather a professional opinion. The study found that Keith Johnstone's techniques can be a useful way to fulfil many of the aims within the Effective Contributor capacity. The exercises used allow learners to express their creativity and cooperative skills through improvisational group work activities, however Keith Johnstone's approach does not address the leadership element within this capacity.