Lessons from Shakespeare's Classroom: Empowering Learning Through Drama and Rhetoric

This book explores the relationship between Elizabethan humanist education's emphasis on performance and the flourishing of literary brilliance around the turn of the sixteenth century, drawing lessons for modern performing arts and education.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This volume delves into the intricate relationship between the pervasive emphasis on performance in Elizabethan humanist education and the remarkable flourishing of literary brilliance that emerged around the turn of the sixteenth century. By examining the educational practices of that era, this study seeks to uncover valuable insights that can be applied to modern-day education.

The focus on performance was a central aspect of Elizabethan humanist education, which aimed to cultivate not only knowledge but also the skills of eloquence, rhetoric, and dramatic expression. Teachers emphasized the importance of engaging students in practical exercises, such as reciting and performing poetry, plays, and speeches, to develop their communication and performance abilities.

One of the cognitive benefits of an education so deeply rooted in actio was the development of critical thinking skills. Students were encouraged to analyze and interpret texts, to engage in debates and discussions, and to develop their own ideas and arguments. This type of education not only fostered a love for learning but also prepared students for the challenges of intellectual inquiry and lifelong learning.

Moreover, the emphasis on performance in Elizabethan education helped to cultivate a sense of confidence and self-esteem in students. By engaging in public performances and receiving feedback from their peers and teachers, students learned to appreciate their own abilities and to believe in their capacity to succeed. This confidence and self-esteem were essential ingredients in the development of literary brilliance, as writers were able to express their ideas and emotions with greater conviction and authority.

In conclusion, this volume explores the relationship between the emphasis on performance in Elizabethan humanist education and the flourishing of literary brilliance around the turn of the sixteenth century. By examining the cognitive benefits of an education so deeply rooted in actio, this study offers valuable insights that can be applied to modern-day education. Teachers, scholars, and administrators in performing arts and education will find this book to be a rich resource for understanding the importance of performance in education and for developing effective teaching strategies that promote student growth and development.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 227 x 153 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032384078