Abstract:
The study aims to explore competency levels of the actor-teacher as a learning
facilitator in the Theater-in-Education process of the Dont Drink Drama Network. A
qualitative approach is applied to this study in which 23 actor-teachers of the Dont Drink
Drama Network were interviewed as guided by the competency model-based question.
The results are then analyzed and synthesized into core competencies and technical
competencies. The final results are compared with the given criteria and relevant suggestions
are developed respectively.
The results show that learning facilitating competencies of the actor-teacher in the
Theater-in-Education process of the Dont Drink Drama Network were composed of 1) core
competencies including learning design, theater-in-education devising process, and Wholeschool
learning integration; and 2) technical competencies including learning facilitation,
learner empowerment and capacity building, and work ethic. According to the findings, 17 out
of 23 actor-teachers had basic core competencies and some promising technical competencies.
This is because they had just started working in this process. The other six actor-teachers who
are the core group can perform higher competencies at practicable levels. This means they
have experience and some core competencies enabling them to initiate new activities. The core
group still has insufficient competencies in the Whole-school learning integration component.
In regard to their technical competencies, the findings are similar to the first group of actorteachers.
In addition, the study also reveals that a number of factors have contributed to the
development of actor-teachers competencies, which are hands-on experience; passion for
Theater-in-Education for children; ability to learn and apply knowledge into their everyday
life; intra-organizational culture, roles and job perception; and experience, knowledge and
understanding toward the application of the Theater-in-Education process to enhance the
learning atmosphere in the organization. Relevant to the findings, actor-teachers in the Dont
Drink Drama Network propose that it is necessary to set up a community of practice within this
network in order to exchange knowledge and develop self-learning mechanisms within the network
where shared learning purpose and procedures are to be determined.
To ensure learning efficiency of the Theater-in-education process, actor-teachers in
the Dont Drink Drama Network should not only have their competencies enhanced, but also
cooperate with other networks and experts in related fields such as academics, school
teachers/lecturers, executives, parents, youth leaders and so on, to integrate their efforts and
promote learning among different partners.