Integrating Modern Short Plays to Enhance Communication Skills and Cultural Awareness in Undergrad. College Students This study examines the use of modern short plays as a dynamic tool to improve communication skills and cultural awareness among undergraduate language learners. Short plays provide an engaging platform to integrate drama-based activities within language instruction, aligning with the communicative approach, which emphasizes active participation and meaningful interaction. By involving students in the performance and analysis of plays, teachers can cultivate both linguistic creativity and intercultural competence. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, examining the impact of modern short plays on undergraduate students' communicative competence and cultural knowledge over two semesters. Quantitative assessments, conducted pre- and post-intervention, evaluated improvements in fluency, pronunciation, and the use of idiomatic expressions. Qualitative data were gathered through participant observations, role-play activities, and interviews, focusing on students' interactions with cultural themes presented in the plays. The intervention incorporated curated short plays into the language curriculum. Activities such as character analysis, improvisation, role-playing, and cultural discussions encouraged students to actively engage with the target language while deepening their understanding of cultural nuances. Results revealed significant enhancements in language proficiency, along with a greater awareness of the cultures associated with the language. This study highlights the value of integrating authentic literary texts, such as modern short plays, into undergraduate language teaching. These plays provide a culturally immersive context that supports both linguistic development and intercultural awareness. Furthermore, the collaborative and interactive nature of drama activities fosters a supportive classroom environment.

Authors:
Sara Hascal, Brandeis University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Sara Hascal, Associate Professor of the practice of Hebrew and Director of the Hebrew program at Brandeis University, United States.

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