The Impact of Theatre on the Oral Training of First-Year University Students

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of theater as a pedagogical tool to strengthen orality skills in first-year university students at a private university in Montería. The development of oral expression is an essential component in academic and professional training, as it influences the ability to argument, communicate effectively and perform in educational and work environments. However, in multiple university contexts, it has been identified that students have difficulties expressing their ideas clearly, fluently, and confidently. Faced with this problem, the incorporation of theater as a didactic strategy to improve orality is proposed, considering that this discipline enhances confidence, voice control and body expression.

From a qualitative methodological approach with exploratory scope, theatrical activities were designed and implemented in a group of university students, evaluating their impact on the development of orality. Through observations, interviews, and performance records, advances in verbal fluency, voice modulation, and communicative interaction were identified in various contexts. The findings suggest that theater not only favors oral expression, but also strengthens socio-emotional skills such as self-confidence and group interaction, thus contributing to the comprehensive formation of students.

This study provides evidence on the importance of including innovative methodologies in higher education, promoting dynamic strategies that stimulate the active participation of students in their learning process. It is recommended to continue exploring the impact of theatre on other dimensions of communicative development and to expand the study sample to obtain more generalizable results.