The Art of Foreign Language Teaching: Improvisation and Drama in Teacher Development and Language Learning            by P. Lutzker

Francke Verlag (Tubingen und Basel) 2007

ISBN 9783772982436

My comments:

This paper is related to foreign language teaching, a commonly discussed topic. The emphasis on the word ‘art’ come as no surprise to those familiar with the educational philosophy, which highlights the aesthetic dimensions of life and learning. It is based on Lutzker’s doctoral thesis. It draws heavily on his collaboration with a professional clown and on his experience with his own students.

It is divided into two parts: the first dealing with the use of clowning for teacher development; the second describing the production of a play over a 5-month period.

Part 1, the historical background of the division between concepts of education as a science and an art is discussed. Through the artistry of the teacher, the learner acquires a knowledge which is not teachable, but only learnable (P. Lutzker 2007). The reminder of the part introduces the work experiences of a professional clown.

In part 2, the author reviews the development of drama in education and points out how little research has been done on dramatic work in language teaching up to date. Later, the case study is described in detail that 39 students were coached for the production of ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ over a 5-month period. The positive benefits are shown clearly in the questionnaire as the emerging sense of community, attunement to others, self-discipline, responsibility and confidence.

Generally speaking, the paper offers convincing evidence supporting an artistic approach to both teacher development and to language teaching in schools. The practical use of such approaches is reflected through the study of clowning as a path toward professional development.

This is a successful paper for those who believe that language teaching is a kind of art against the current tide of ‘scientific’ as a standard reference, though with rooms to be improved. It is beyond doubt that the well-chosen topic attracts many readers’ attention. The carefully organized text and these vivid examples will be appreciated.