Overcoming Students’ Speaking Anxiety with Drama Pedagogy: -A Study of the Perceived Benefits of Drama Pedagogy in the Swedish Secondary andUpper-Secondary English Classroom

Abstract: In the society of today English-speaking skills are essential, and the school should prepare students to live, work and participate actively in society. However, speaking English does pose a challenge for some students due to speaking anxiety, which can have a negative impact on their development. One possible strategy to counteract this is implementing drama techniques in the foreign language classroom. This study examines two classes of Swedish secondary and upper-secondary school students’- and teachers’ perceptions of the ability to speak in English, of using drama techniques in the second language classroom to overcome students’ speaking anxiety, and other possible benefits of using creative drama in the language classroom. Data are collected through student questionnaires and teacher interviews. The results and findings reveal that reluctant speakers are found in the examined classes. The study also reveals that the teachers, and a majority of the students, perceive creative drama as being beneficial for the taciturn students in overcoming their speaking anxiety. In addition, creative drama is perceived by the students and the teachers as having additional benefits such as improved language skills and self-confidence. Moreover, this study shows that drama pedagogy has the potential of developing a more accepting classroom atmosphere, in which both students and teachers can have some fun.