Faculty of Education - Theses

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Orphan in the Pacific : a drama teacher's lived experience

Wales, Prudence Ellen ( 1999)

This is a qualitative study of the lived experience of a drama teacher over a six-year period as she journeys from neophyte to experienced teacher. The study examines how an individual experiences the phenomenon of teaching drama and explores how teaching interconnects the private and professional lives of the drama educator. As the teacher-researcher I collected and analysed data from my own practice in order to reflect on my teacher life history. This study aims to establish what it means to be a drama educator and define the 'good' drama teacher. The research was conducted in three education settings. It is presented in the narrative style of the 'hero's journey' outlined by Vogler. The autobiographical narrative constructed from the various participants' voices reveals how the context of the settings in which the events took place impacted upon the teacher's life story. The study illuminates the multiple roles played by the drama teacher in her personal and professional lives. It provides an understanding of the needs of the beginning and experienced drama educator; and the importance of teacher life histories to make sense of the drama teacher's working life.