An Investigation of Metaphoric Perceptions about the Concept of Creative Drama

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether the perceptions of the participants selected from English teachers about creative drama reflect the general characteristics of creative drama by using metaphor method. Design/Methodology/Approach: Phenomenological research is concerned with how people experience the world at a given time and in a specific context. In other words, phenomenological research aims to describe, understand and interpret the structure of phenomena arising in mind as a result of the interaction of the individuals with the World. “A metaphor form” was used as the data collection tool to determine the perceptions of the teachers about the concept of creative drama. In the form, there is an expression “ creative drama is (a)... because.....”. the participant selection was based on purposive sampling and particiapants were sixty English teacher. Findings: The obtained data were analyzed through content analysis. Results showed that there occured 30 metaphoric expressions and 7 categories. These metaphors were based on game, roleplaying, several themes, creativity, real life, its developmental aspect and wasting time. Highlights: Metaphors direct, shed light and guide our practices. This situation translates into “If a picture is worth a thousand words, a metaphor is worth a thousand pictures; Because a picture just presents a static image, a metaphor provides a mental framework for being about a phenomenon.” (Shuell, 1990) is also clearly reflected. This quote effectively reveals how metaphors are a powerful tool in recording and indicating the general distribution of the human profile and especially the educators themselves.