Dramanın dil öğretimi bağlamında kullanılması: Drama uygulamasının ortaokul seviyesinde İngilizceyi yabancı dil olarak öğrenen öğrenciler üzerindeki etkilerinin araştırılması

This thesis is an investigation of the application and effects of drama in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. The study arises out of the concern with English language teaching in Türkiye, where present approaches to foreign language teaching seem to fall short to increase the quality of English as a Foreign Language. Therefore, this study attempts to shed light on how using drama in language teaching may successfully promote learning. The study aims to significantly advance 'drama-enriched' language learning, and it focuses on the potential for drama practices to boost student proficiency in English as a foreign language by illustrating the value of incorporating first-hand experiences into language classrooms. (Wessels, 1987). To this end, the study utilizes a mixed-methods approach that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative data. The study is conducted through pre-tests and post-tests, interviews, mini-reports, and field notes to gauge how 52 participants with the control group (n=26) and experimental group (n=26) at the secondary school level during the academic year 2021-2022 reacted to the drama implementation. The questionnaire responses of participants provided the quantitative data, while student interviews, mini-reports, and researcher's field notes provided the qualitative data within seven weeks. The study's findings indicated that drama was effective in lowering participants' fear of learning a foreign language and boosting their drive and confidence in producing better language skills. For this reason, as Philips (1999) expounds, drama is a viable approach that maintains a fruitful atmosphere in the classroom. In the context of Türkiye, the use of drama practices for language acquisition is a field that has not received enough attention. As a result, this examination of practice provides a framework for more inquiry and thought in this area.