Language is the central tool and concern for Heathcote, who notes the crucial nature of communication in society and places communication at the center of the educational system. Other researchers and theorists also attribute many benefits to using drama in the classroom. Hoetker describes drama as a method of better accommodating students whose learning styles are visual or kinesthetic, of teaching critical skills, and of producing aesthetic experiences with literature. Varied Applications Drama has many applications in the classroom. The gradual construction and exploration of this world results in a better and more personal understanding of the central issues being studied.
Improvisation takes many useful forms besides role playing.
Other techniques useful in the classroom are readers' theater and choral readings and writing and producing radio programs, television screenplays, or documentaries. Students develop both an understanding of and appreciation for literary genres and for particular works of fiction by writing scripts from fiction or writing fiction descriptions from play scenes. Dramatic activity is a useful way to begin a piece of literature or to generate ideas for writing. Drama can encourage students to explore, clarify, and elaborate feelings, attitudes, and ideas. Because drama requires students to organize, synthesize, and articulate their ideas, it provides an excellent opportunity for reflection and evaluation at the conclusion of a unit of study.