Active Learning on Students 'Interpersonal Skills Impact: An Online Theater Approach

Abstract

This study aims to examine the improvement of interpersonal skills through the application of active learning in the teaching and learning of art education. The approach used is the theatre-play approach. Theatre games are used as a fresh and appropriate approach to learning art education subjects through various types of games that are applied with various theatre techniques, including improvisation, role playing, physical exercise, and voice acting. The subject of art education is a theoretical and practical one that requires high focus during learning. Therefore, theatre games are applied to encourage active learning and prevent students from getting bored when learning is conducted online. Students play, act, improvise, and sing while learning. This qualitative study involved eight Form 5 students at the Malaysian Art School using observation and interview methods. The study applies social learning theory and constructivist learning theory. The data was thematically analysed using Nvivo software. Findings found that active learning takes place in learning through the application of a theatre game approach and highlights the interpersonal skills of students. Two-way communication occurs in every activity because the activity is carried out in groups. Studies on the learning of art subjects that apply this active learning through theatre games are believed to promote confidence and stimulate students to improve their interpersonal skills without realising it.