Creating positive, playful connections within a group motivates and energizes a class to collaborate with trust. Improv Comedy is based on principles of 'group-mind' where everyone works and plays together under an agreed-upon set of rules. This workshop involves actively playing a selection of 'easy-to-learn, easy-to-teach' exercises inspired by the comedy improv mind-set that can be used in the classroom to create rapport, challenge focusing skills and enliven the playful connections between students. These Ice-breakers and Group Exercises can be used (with adaptations) with students of all ages. Based on Viola Spolin´s seminal exercises in the classroom, theories of Applied Improv and 'Short-form Improvisational Comedy' performance techniques, these games/exercises thrive on soft-skill communication techniques that encourage risk-taking and finding the freedom in creative play where there is no 'right' or 'wrong'; it´s a recognition of the creative child within us who still wants to play and of the teacher´s task of empowering students to connect to each other in non-judgemental ways. The workshop includes a short discussion addressing the challenges in encouraging reticent students to 'let loose', tools and cuing to control exuberance and how to rein energy in at the end, so that students can focus on the tasks ahead.
Secondary Drama Teacher, Berlin International School
Before teaching Secondary School Drama at Berlin International School, Brian had a long history in professional theater and comedy improvisation performance and production. As a founding member of ComedySportz in 1985, he co-created 'short-form' improvisational comedy format that... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am CEST
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This workshop is designed to equip educators with a comprehensive toolkit for integrating debate into the classroom, fostering a continuum of critical thinking and communication skills from primary years through to the Diploma Program (DP) level.
Learn how to teach students the art of structuring arguments, supporting points with evidence, and mastering the skills of listening, rebutting, and comparing. Our session aims to gamify these fundamental skills, making debate not only a competitive but also an engaging activity for students less inclined towards traditional academic pursuits like writing.
In light of evolving educational demands and the advent of AI, our program also addresses the shift towards oral assessments, offering a structured, clear method for evaluating student performance. Whether you aim to initiate a debate program or enhance an existing one, this session will provide valuable insights into creating a pipeline that nurtures students' abilities to think critically, argue effectively, and engage constructively from an early age.
