In parallel with the MBMMBI policy to reinforce teaching and learning the English language, the Penang English Literature Showcase serves to enhance reading literacy and creativity while building self-esteem among the participants. It also shows the capability of The School of Educational Studies/USM students in writing scripts and coaching the secondary students’ dramatic performance. The showcase is based on acting the script of the selected novel (The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit) from the Form 3 English literature components. The TESOL students of School of Educational Studies/USM have written the script for the theatrical performance. Hence, the script will be presented on stage by two teams from two secondary schools (SMK Convent Greenlane & SMK Free School) as well as a team by the TESOL undergraduates, USM. It is important to mention that the USM students will be in charge of training and coaching the secondary students throughout their rehearsals.
The showcase can provide students and teachers an experience where they can translate their thoughts, creativity and emotions. Furthermore, by rewriting the novel with self-effort scripts and performing with hard work and sustainability by both the university students and secondary students, the merits of drama will be used as a pedagogical approach as well as an art platform in its own way for practising reading, writing, speaking and listening in genuine contexts.
Objectives:
- Emphasize teaching and learning the English language through drama.
- Improve reading literacy and creativity with building self-confidence among the participants; university students as scriptwriters and secondary students as actors.
- Show the capability of the TESOL students from the School of Educational Studies, USM in writing and coaching secondary students’ theatrical performance.
- Indicate the effective role of the School of Educational Studies, USM and its eligibility in hosting the National Drama Competition Finale among the secondary schools.
