4.2 Why dramatisation for EMC²?

Dramatisation is a powerful tool in education in general and social emotional learning in particular (Zakaria et al.; Goldstein). It taps into the core aspects of Empathy, Mindfulness, Critical Inquiry, and Compassion (EMC²). By bringing subjects and objects to life through role-play, monologues, dialogues, and storytelling, learners immerse themselves in different perspectives, fostering deeper understanding and connection.

• Empathy: Dramatisation encourages learners to step into someone else’s shoes, whether it’s a historical figure, a character from literature, or even an abstract concept. By embodying different roles, they gain insights into diverse experiences and emotions.  Example: Re-enacting a conversation between two historical characters helps learners feel the tension and motivations behind historical events. This nurtures emotional intelligence, allowing learners to better understand and respect different viewpoints.

• Mindfulness: Performing a role requires focus and presence, which fosters mindfulness. Learners become more aware of their body language, voice modulation, and the emotions they portray. Example: A monologue reflecting a character’s inner turmoil encourages learners to pay attention to subtleties in tone and expression. This practice of being in the moment helps learners develop concentration and self-awareness, essential for both personal and academic growth.

• Critical Inquiry: Through dramatisation, learners critically examine characters’ motives, conflicts, and resolutions. They question why a character acts in a certain way or how different choices could change the outcome. Example: Analysing a scene from a play through role-play allows learners to question character intentions and consequences. This fosters analytical thinking and encourages learners to critically evaluate narratives and contexts.

• Compassion: When learners personify characters who are struggling or facing challenges, they develop compassion. Understanding the struggles of others through performance deepens their emotional engagement. Example: Acting out the thoughts of a refugee character in a social studies lesson can sensitize the learners to issues of displacement and belonging. This compassionate approach helps cultivate kindness and social responsibility.

Dramatisation not only makes lessons lively and interactive, but also cultivates essential life skills. It transforms passive learning into an active, emotionally rich experience. By integrating dramatisation, educators encourage learners to think deeply, feel empathetically, and respond compassionately, all while remaining mindful of their own emotions and expressions.