TASK 4

INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION

Until now, a lot of work has been done to explore methods for teaching English as a Second
Language (ESL). Considering the nature of human beings as storytellers, teachers can use drM
as a teaching method in English classrooms. The aim with this study is to discuss the
storytelling and drama teaching method adopted in ESL Classroom. The process of drama can
be seen as a reflex, as most of us use it as a routine within the daily conversations, not only
formally, but also informally. From this point of view, in the classroom context, it may be
considered as a more reliable way of approaching language teaching. Various language trainers
consider storytelling and drama as a very effective and attractive technique in teaching young
learners, as children really enjoy being told stories.

Vocabulary is the heart of a language and significant in language learning. It is impossible to

comprehend a written text before having knowledge of the vocabularies which consist it.
Therefore, Vocabulary learning strategies are the processes by which information is
obtained, stored, retrieved and used (Schmitt, 1997). The problem arising is that many English
as a second language (ESL) learners have difficulties to acquire the Vocabulary. It is because
the Vocabulary learning is done through rote memorization learning which results in low
enthusiastic to learn new Vocabulary and inadequate exposure to English language. If these
problems are continued, they will result both poor Vocabulary of ESL learners and performance
in the communicative use of previously learned Vocabulary. Therefore, ESL learners need a
learning activity which could eradicate their problems and facilitate them in acquiring new
Vocabulary. The solution lies in storytelling. The aim of this is to elicit the importance of drama in
improving learners Vocabulary and to prove that storytelling could improve learners Vocabulary.

Before we perform our play we had to undergo a few processes such as selecting,
adapting and last but not least process of performing. It is essential and vital for us to be fully

prepared before performing our play. All the important aspects need to be considered before we
perform the play. This is to prevent any unwanted incidents to happen during the performance.
There are many plays to choose from. Each and every one of our group members plays has
their own advantages. It took us quite a while to pick the most appropriate story to be used for
our group play. After several discussions, in the end we agreed to choose Hansel and Gretel
as the play. Then, we developed the script based on Hansel and Gretel plot and adapt the story
according to our own since the story have many versions. The script is one of the important
aspects of the project. It is impossible to visualize a play without a script, as the script is the
base for what appears onstage.

The reason why we chose the story Hansel and Gretel is mainly because, it contain
most of the important aspects that are required for what a good script should have. It is a very
wise decision for me because we really need to consider all the aspects before performing such
as the moral values inside the story, the theme, the plot, setting and the character in the story as
well. It will make our planning and preparation of the play much easier.
There are no doubt, even though Hansel and Gretel is a good story, it requires a few
alterations. Five character is added to our play so that all the members in the group will have a
part to play in it and I as a witch.The lack of dialogues for the actors is one of the changes we
had made. During the adaptation stage, we need to check again the flow of the play according
to the script.
Our group was the last group to perform on that day. During our group performance on
the stage, the audience(friends) seems to fairly like it. Although it was quite hard for them to
focus because of the hot weather at noon, they still gave their attention to our play. We had tried
to include humor as much as possible during our group play to make it more interactive and
interesting and also to gain their attention.
The play went smoothly but there are still some problems we had encountered while
performing, mainly because of our own errors and slight problems with the space provided and
our props We should have big space before performing. Nevertheless, we manage to complete
the play well. Personally, I must say that I should be thankful to those who give their full
cooperation and commitment when our group was doing the play.

At the end of the day, I had gained so many inputs while completing this assignment. I
had learned many useful acting skills and how to plan and prepare a play and also performing it
on stage. Working in a group taught me to be more cooperative and to contribute all my efforts
and give full commitment to achieve great results and outcome.
As a whole, I think that I have gained lots of new and useful knowledge in learning this
subject. As a teacher, I hope that I will be able to produce pupils who are knowledgeable and
competent, who possess high moral standards and who are responsible and capable of
achieving high level of personal well-being as well as being able to contribute to the harmony
and betterment of the family, the society and the nation at large.