Date of Award
5-1-2023
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Communication Studies
First Advisor
Juntunen, Jacob
Abstract
The past few years have proven a need in higher education for tools that help educators and students maintain a flexible and highly adaptive approach to their coursework. Research into applied improvisation has shown that the improvisational mindset is beneficial to educational settings in this way, in part because of the way it encourages collaborative negotiations as part of the education process. Building on the work of improvisers in the fields of music, law, business, theatre, and medicine, this dissertation breaks down three specific types of negotiations found within improv: 1) Negotiations of Status; 2) Negotiations of Rule-Making; and 3) Negotiations of Authenticity. This work identifies the key components for success in those negotiations. It also provides opportunities for practical application of these negotiations using improv-based games and activities. This research indicates several benefits for educators and others who incorporate improvisational training into their work. Special attention is paid to the application of improvisation in areas such as classroom management and interpersonal relationship-building with students. It also highlights a few key games and activities that could prove beneficial as part of training for anyone engaged in the work of negotiations and communication.
Access
This dissertation is only available for download to the SIUC community. Current SIUC affiliates may also access this paper off campus by searching Dissertations & Theses @ Southern Illinois University Carbondale from ProQuest. Others should contact the interlibrary loan department of your local library or contact ProQuest's Dissertation Express service.