Learning for Transformation: Empowering the Nigerian Child through Drama

Abstract

The search for a libertarian education; which emphasizes learners' empowerment and transformation becomes ever imperative in this 21st Century Nigeria society as a result of the shortcoming in learning: “deficient learners”, in our education system. This deficiency in learning is undoubtedly endeared by the “Banking concept of education” practiced within the system as captured by Paulo Freire; has become the concern of all and sundry in our society. This paper therefore, explores the viability of drama as a potent device for learners' empowerment and transformation: the how and why drama should be a learning tool. To achieve this, the paper investigates the validity and historical appeal of drama in education across the ages and the benefits of drama in education. It further observes a creative drama field work as its secondary data to reach its logical conclusion. The paper thus recommends that drama is a viable teaching technique and such should be employed as an alternative to the traditional teaching method; to facilitate the libertarian education needed in Nigeria educational system.

Keywords: Learning, Transformation, Libertarian education, Nigerian child, Drama