Modularizing an acting imagination activity for Malaysian Secondary School Theatre activities

Nadhilah binti Suhaimi

Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to develop an Acting Imagination Activity Module that can effectively augment cognitive capabilities within the context of secondary school theatre co-curricular activities. The development of this activity module is grounded in the incorporation of imagination techniques developed from Stella Adler's Acting Theory, Constructivism Theory, and Richey and Klein's DDR Model. The assessment of the module's usability is carried out over two cycles, applying the Delphi Method. The findings obtained from the needs analysis and literature review suggest a dearth of specialized modules and reference materials employed for theatre co-curricular activities, particularly in the context of acting in Malaysian secondary schools. Moreover, the primary objective of developing and implementing this activity module was to augment students' cognitive capacities, in accordance with the National Education Philosophy and Student Aspirations. The objective of this research was to develop an Acting Imagination Activity Module that prioritizes the utilization of imagination techniques to augment the cognitive capacities of pupils and evaluate the applicability of the Acting Imagination Activity Module as a tool for overseeing theatre co-curricular activities in secondary schools within the context of Malaysia. The incorporation of theatrical elements into educational settings was expected to have a positive impact on the cognitive capacities of students, consequently promoting the cultivation of comprehensive human resources. The goal of this strategy was to foster critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and strong student ambitions, in accordance with the goals outlined in the Malaysian Education Development Plan 2013-2025. Keywords: Acting module, Malaysia secondary school’s theatre, imagination, acting techniques, cognitive capacities

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