Performance-Assisted Learning: A Proposal

Abstract

Speech as a performance activity is accepted by English teachers and administrators, and speech performances are done in classes as well as at contests. Formal debate is accepted by teachers, but not taught so often in classes because of a perception that it requires special expertise on the part of the teacher, and that it is too complex and difficult a task for most students. Other performance activities, such as drama, dance, and music, receive less acceptance and support for a variety of reasons. This paper discusses the acceptance of performance in courses, explains the concept of Performance-Assisted Learning (PAL), and gives examples of what PAL would look like.