Teacher To Researcher: Reflections On Drama As Extracurricular Activity And Speaking Anxiety

Abstract

Foreign language speaking anxiety has been a major obstacle influencing EFL learners’ oral communication performance negatively. It is therefore significant to alter the perceived mindset of learners regarding fear of making mistakes that inhibits spoken interactions. Despite proven effectiveness of drama within in-class practices, the effects of language-related drama as extracurricular activity on speaking anxiety remains relatively unmapped territory in Turkey. Taking this into focus, drama converting students’ role from passive recipients to active participants as learner-centered approach is the primary use of the current research to shed light on the impact of drama as extracurricular activity on speaking anxiety. Action research is undertaken to develop critical attitude towards use of drama and pinpoint practical drawbacks faced by the researcher in drama sessions. In accordance with shortcomings of drama identified, it offers recommendations to improve the conditions of drama practices with self-critical enquiry. The study adopts a mixed method design including qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data results are drawn from validated measure Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale responded by 60 participants while the qualitative data is gathered from analytic memos, one-to-one student interviews and student mini-reports. The study is conducted with control-group (n=30) and experiment-group (n=30) whose participants are in elective English preparatory program at Hacettepe University School of Foreign languages during the 2018-2019 educational year. Results demonstrated prominent position of language-related drama as extracurricular activity in lowering communication apprehension and enhancing confidence to produce and understand authentic language in unpredicted variety of contexts. Keywords: Speaking anxiety, drama, extracurricular activity, preparatory student, action research, active participants