Using Forum Theatre to Develop Various Levels of Thinking Skills among Moral Education Students in Secondary School

Abstract

Purpose –The power of forum theatre in education and various field is well known by educators. However, the use of forum theatre in Malaysia, particularly in the field of moral education, is still lacking and limited. At the same time, the development of thinking skills is one of the aims of the moral education curriculum in Malaysia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the use of forum theatre as a pedagogical tool in developing various levels of thinking skills among moral education students.
 Method –This study adopted a qualitative research design and was underpinned by Bloom’s revised taxonomy as the theoretical and analytical framework. A total of 14 moral education students participated in this study. Data were collected qualitatively using classroom observation, interviews, and journal writing. Thematic analysis was utilized to analyse and present the findings.
 Findings –The findings of this study reveal that various theatrical activities that underpinned the four elements of forum theatre-(i) writing a script, (ii) delivering a dialogue in an anti-model play, (iii) discussion and decision-making in a forum session, and (iv) improvisation in an intervention play-show the development of students’thinking skill level such as analysing, evaluating, and creating skills. Therefore, this study suggests that forum theatre can be used in moral education pedagogy to enhance higher order thinking skills (HOTS).
 Significance –Meaningful instructional pedagogy must inspire thinking skills to foster creativity and innovation among students. This is considered an important skill in 21st century learning. Therefore, these findings are beneficial for teachers, lecturers, parents, and instructional designers to plan and implement suitable teaching methods such as forum theatre to empower and improve students’ thinking skill levels.