Teacher in Role

Teacher in role (TiR) is an invaluable technique for shaping the dramatic process. Simply put, the teacher assumes a role in relation to the pupils. This may be as a leader, a peer, or a subservient role - whatever is useful in the development of the lesson. The teacher may ask questions of the students, perhaps putting them into role as members of a specific group and encouraging them to hot-seat her in return.

How to do it

Teacher in Role does not require great acting skills. A role can be adopted quite simply to communicate the key attitudes and emotions of a particular character. A token piece of costume, a hand prop or special chair can be useful to denote when the teacher steps into and out of role.

If you are unsure how to begin, try hot-seating first.  This will give you valuable experience of assuming a role in relation to the students and responding to their comments and questions.  You can progress to teacher in role by encouraging the students to participate and becoming more active as the character.  Reply to their questions as though they are also in role and encourage them to become involved in occupational mime activities.

• Examples of Teacher in Role can be seen in the drama lessons on The Gruffalo and The Evacuees.