February 2, 2012
Coping with Drama through Drama ("Examining External Influences in Young Children's Explorations Within Sociodrama" by Deanna Marie Pecaski McLennan) [*]
The author of this article examines the feasibility of introducing sociodrama exercises in a kindergarten setting, and whether they are capable of encouraging an exploration of the various social problems affecting. Drawing from the concepts of sociodrama developed by Moreno and Boal, she wishes to help children reflect upon social issues through a continuing set of sociodrama workshops. The set would consist of warm-up exercises, roleplaying a conflict, and an overall reflection at the end.
Although I am already familiar with dramatic exercises in a classroom setting, the purpose behind what Pecaski McLennan is doing seems to be more genuine. These exercises are not only physical but social as well, helping children to understand and find viable solutions for the possible conflicts that they may face throughout life.
The author of this article examines the feasibility of introducing sociodrama exercises in a kindergarten setting, and whether they are capable of encouraging an exploration of the various social problems affecting. Drawing from the concepts of sociodrama developed by Moreno and Boal, she wishes to help children reflect upon social issues through a continuing set of sociodrama workshops. The set would consist of warm-up exercises, roleplaying a conflict, and an overall reflection at the end.
Although I am already familiar with dramatic exercises in a classroom setting, the purpose behind what Pecaski McLennan is doing seems to be more genuine. These exercises are not only physical but social as well, helping children to understand and find viable solutions for the possible conflicts that they may face throughout life.
February 9, 2012
Re-examining Disability ("The Role of the Media in Promoting Images of Disability - Disability as Metaphor: The Evil Crip" by Marilyn Dahl) [*]
The image of the disabled person is one that non-disabled persons tend to look at with intrigue. In children's narratives, the person's disability becomes a metaphor for something such as a barrier to be overcome, or a sign of fragility. Additionally, people will often make associations between physical ugliness and criminal activity, suggesting that the former is indicative of the latter. These negative impressions were much more common in the past, and today's images of the disabled are more sympathetic and romanticized. The new problem is that certain portrayals of disability tend to select elements to include and exclude. People then apply these elements to real-life encounters with a disabled person.
I find that the impressions and expectations of disabled persons are very rigid and exclusive, and sometimes even incorrect. While I cannot see an "average" type of disabled person - there is just too much diversity to apply a single type - it is best to educate oneself to avoid any negative practices.
The image of the disabled person is one that non-disabled persons tend to look at with intrigue. In children's narratives, the person's disability becomes a metaphor for something such as a barrier to be overcome, or a sign of fragility. Additionally, people will often make associations between physical ugliness and criminal activity, suggesting that the former is indicative of the latter. These negative impressions were much more common in the past, and today's images of the disabled are more sympathetic and romanticized. The new problem is that certain portrayals of disability tend to select elements to include and exclude. People then apply these elements to real-life encounters with a disabled person.
I find that the impressions and expectations of disabled persons are very rigid and exclusive, and sometimes even incorrect. While I cannot see an "average" type of disabled person - there is just too much diversity to apply a single type - it is best to educate oneself to avoid any negative practices.
February 16, 2012
Media Literacy (Children, Adolescents and the Media) [*]
Research on the negative effects of "Big Media" on children has led to a need for more media literacy initiatives. In order for the program to work, children would have to be engaged in the same way that they engage with the usual serving of content. Although media literacy is usually promoted by independent organizations, a part of the chapter looks at attempts made by major media conglomerates to remedy the adverse effects. However, it is difficult for them to be as effective when they are confined to market interests.
The best way to approach the matter is through a more objective approach, and that is why independent groups find more success with media literacy. I have written about two media literacy initiatives that have been successful for their unique approach to media.
Research on the negative effects of "Big Media" on children has led to a need for more media literacy initiatives. In order for the program to work, children would have to be engaged in the same way that they engage with the usual serving of content. Although media literacy is usually promoted by independent organizations, a part of the chapter looks at attempts made by major media conglomerates to remedy the adverse effects. However, it is difficult for them to be as effective when they are confined to market interests.
The best way to approach the matter is through a more objective approach, and that is why independent groups find more success with media literacy. I have written about two media literacy initiatives that have been successful for their unique approach to media.