How to Use Improvisation
Improvisation with Triptico
I have enjoyed using a computer app called "Triptico" in my lessons. It has a wealth of tools to use in the classroom.
One of the tools is "flip selector." You can use this tool to randomly flip through items in a list that you typed in the app. These items could be students' names, key vocabulary, settings, situations, first lines, and so on. Here's a nice list of options.
With Triptico, you could arrange one or more sets of flashcards operating at the same time on your computer, allowing you to select [student A] + [student B] + [setting] + [key vocabulary word]
After this, Student A and student B should come to the front of the room and create an improvised conversation. Alternatively, you could omit the student names and simply have students work in pairs at their seats.
The app is fun, visually pleasing, and the students enjoy the excitement of the random selection.
Download "Triptico" program here
If you already have Triptico, here are some sample files for you to try in Flip Selector: (emotions) (locations)
One of the tools is "flip selector." You can use this tool to randomly flip through items in a list that you typed in the app. These items could be students' names, key vocabulary, settings, situations, first lines, and so on. Here's a nice list of options.
With Triptico, you could arrange one or more sets of flashcards operating at the same time on your computer, allowing you to select [student A] + [student B] + [setting] + [key vocabulary word]
After this, Student A and student B should come to the front of the room and create an improvised conversation. Alternatively, you could omit the student names and simply have students work in pairs at their seats.
The app is fun, visually pleasing, and the students enjoy the excitement of the random selection.
Download "Triptico" program here
If you already have Triptico, here are some sample files for you to try in Flip Selector: (emotions) (locations)
Videos of Drama in the ESL Classroom
Click here to see examples of how improvisation can be used in the ESL classroom. These are student performances in the Program in Intensive English at Northern Arizona University. Enjoy!
Activity: Solve the Problem
What is it? Students improvise a scene using an assigned character, problem, and location.
Purpose: to practice improvisation, to solve a problem
Activity: Coming Home
What is it? Students dramatize someone coming home from a long day at work. The audience assigns them the details.
Purpose: to practice improvisation, to elicit mood, to pay attention to detail
Activity: The Party
What is it? Students are given a "quirk". They mingle at a party, and the host must guess what their quirks are.
Purpose: to practice improvisation, to make a decision, to formulate and answer questions, to express ideas and opinions of another character
Have a great idea for improvisation? Have a question about improvisation? Visit the Guestbook!