ERIC Number: EJ1120756
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Oct
Pages: 27
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0926-7220
EISSN: N/A
Performing the Future: On the Use of Drama in Philosophy Courses for Science Students
Toonders, Winnie; Verhoeff, Roald P.; Zwart, Hub
Science & Education, v25 n7-8 p869-895 Oct 2016
Drama is a relatively unexplored tool in academic science education. This paper addresses in what way the use of drama may allow science students to deepen their understanding of recent developments in the emerging and controversial field of neuro-enhancement, by means of a case study approach. First, we emphasise the congruency between drama and science, notably the dramatic dimension of experimental research. Subsequently, we draw on educational literature to elaborate the potential of using drama as a teaching modality, specifically focusing on the ethical and moral dimensions of future techno-scientific innovations. Our case study consisted of a drama experiment as a module in a philosophy course on human enhancement. Twenty-two students from various science disciplines performed multiple roles, as authors, actors, audience and reviewers. Qualitative data were collected on the educational process and student performance during the course, i.e. observations and video recordings of class discussions, group work and plays, interviews and questionnaires. Our drama experiment proved to be effective in enabling students to explore and relate to a future life world affected by enhancement technologies. It allowed them to deepen their awareness of social and ethical implications of neuro-technologies and of the different viewpoints people may have on this issue in academic, professional or everyday settings. Moreover, drama allowed them to develop a reflexive position of their own in the neuro-enhancement debate by enacting a moral dilemma in front of an audience. Our results confirm the potential of drama as a tool for exploring techno-scientific futures in science education.
Descriptors: Drama, Questionnaires, Qualitative Research, Philosophy, Science Education, Case Studies, Educational Research, Teaching Methods, Instructional Effectiveness, Student Role, Student Attitudes, Video Technology, Authors, Futures (of Society), Ethics, Moral Values, Audience Awareness, Statistical Analysis, Graduate Students, Foreign Countries, Semi Structured Interviews, Likert Scales
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Netherlands
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A