Improv Learning

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/01/how-improv-can-open-up-the-mind-to-learning-in-the-classroom-and-beyond/

In How Improv Can Open Up the Mind to Learning in the Classroom and Beyond, author
Linda Flanagan quotes high school student Lilly Hartman as saying "Unlike the classroom, where the learning environment is often tense and competitive, an improv setting builds enthusiasm among the participants." This line was extremely appealing to me while reading the blog. As I have stated in previous posts, acting out historical events often help students remember key ideas and occurrences. While students are learning, they are given the opportunity to relax a bit and enjoy school. Along with gaining factual knowledge, students will become better at public speaking and more likely to think and act quickly. Although this blog is about an improv class, it can be easily introduced into any subject and practically any grade level. The article gives many examples of ways to use imrpov acting. In a history class, they discuss the idea of a project where students look up a historical figure and become that person. Improv learning enhances cooperation, collaboration, open-mindedness, and creativity.