English Language Fellow Shaheed Sabrin used his acting background to conduct a drama-based instructional workshop to agriculture students at Universiti Putra in Malaysia.
Sabrin collaborated with TESOL students at the university to lead the three-hour workshop for students in the Agriculture Department who don’t benefit from the same exposure to English as the rest of the student body. The workshop focused on the rhythm and stress of the English language, and students learned to practice authentic, practical, and useful English in a fun environment.
Sabrin and the TESOL students focused on image work, trusting one’s instincts, and kinesthetic teamwork to accomplish listening and speaking activities. This approach helps students visualize English words they hear by using their imagination in a similar method that actors use to remember their lines. The dynamic activity forced students to use both the left and right side of their brain in an engaging way.