The use of creative drama in developing the speaking skills of young learners

ABSTRACT This study was conducted by Galiya SARAÇ at Gazi University, Institute of Educational Sciences, English, English Language Teaching Department and is entitled ?The Use of Creative Drama in Developing Speaking Skills of Young Learners?. Associate Prof. Dr. Bena Gül PEKER is the supervisor of this study. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether creative drama has a positive impact on developing the speaking skills of young learners. For this purpose, ther researcher conducted eight English lessons in which creative drama activities were applied. The lessons were recorded and checked by an Observer. In addition, with the purpose of determining the expectations, feelings and thoughts of the students in terms of the influence of creative drama on the learners, the students were asked to keep journals. The data gathered from the journals of the students and lesson observations were analysed by the use of coding system and compared. The observed lessons show that speaking skills gradually increase towards the end of the research implementation. In addition, the students? journals indicate that creative drama makes a positive influence on the learners, such as providing a stress free environment, developing self confidence and providing high learner participation.