UEW Academic Presents New Elementary Theatre Model at Global Summit
Associate Professor Evans Asante of the Department of Theatre Arts, School of Creative Arts, University of Education, Winneba (UEW), presented a research paper, “Theatre in the Elementary Classroom: Pedagogy, Practice and Measurement—Ghana’s Perspective,” at the Theatre Education Conference, held in New York City from 22nd–24th July, 2026.
His presentation highlighted innovative approaches to integrating theatre into elementary education and showcased Ghanaian experiences of using drama as a tool for teaching, learning and child development.
Prof. Asante introduced the EURM Pedagogical Framework which encompasses the principles of Enact, Understand, Reflect and Measure. This enquiry-based model is designed to enhance theatre learning through active participation, critical comprehension, reflective practice and robust assessment.
The framework generated considerable interest among participants for its practical methodology for increasing learner engagement and its accessible tools for evaluating educational outcomes.
The presentation also demonstrated simple yet effective classroom assessment strategies, including reflective drawing, behaviour observation, peer-to-peer assessment and rotating focus groups, illustrating how theatre can foster communication, collaboration, empathy, confidence and creativity among young learners.
The conference brought together theatre educators, researchers, artists and practitioners from across the world to explore contemporary issues in theatre education and to share innovative pedagogical practices. Prof. Asante’s contribution offered an African perspective to the global discourse and underscored Ghana’s growing influence in theatre education scholarship.
Prof. Asante noted that the conference provided valuable opportunities for scholarly exchange, professional networking and future collaborations in theatre and arts education.
The presentation forms part of Prof. Asante’s continuing research into drama and theatre pedagogy with particular emphasis on developing culturally responsive teaching approaches and practical assessment models for arts education.
