Invite the student teachers to brainstorm on a whiteboard their personal memories of drama both in school and in the community from their childhood and later years. Remind them that the rules of a brainstorm mean that all suggestions deserve to be recorded and that after all their memories have been noted there will be time for discussion. They may wish to add, in another coloured pen, some of the forms that drama takes in society, such as theatre, musicals, TV, YouTube videos, and so forth and their experience and perception of these.
Time then needs to be set aside for discussion of their memories and experiences. Appreciating a rich variety of drama practices can help those less assured or confident in this area to recognise aspects that they feel more comfortable with, and in addition provides the tutor with a closer working knowledge of the whole group's attitudes and experience of drama. This can be extended through the sessions ahead and individual's experience and expertise can be woven in.
