Malaysian Undergraduates’ Perceptions on Attending Drama Class and Performing Drama Using Online Platform

Abstract

Due to the pandemic outbreak, educational institutions had no choice but to implement online teaching and learning. The challenges were countless for students and lecturers in adapting to the new teaching and learning techniques and methods. Such challenges were more pertinent in courses such as theatre or drama. Before the pandemic, the teaching and learning of drama classes had always been conducted face-to-face, and students were expected to stage drama performances physically. Whether it is a minimal or an elaborate stage setting and acting practice, students usually have to spend much time preparing for the performance day. However, the Covid-19 pandemic completely changed the landscape of drama classes, and they were forced to be done virtually. Hence, this study investigates the students’ perceptions of attending online drama classes at a Malaysian state university. 60 TESL undergraduates participated in this study. A mixed-methods research approach was employed to gather the data for this study, including a close-ended questionnaire and semi-structured interview. The survey and interview findings showed that the students faced various challenges concerning live experience, teacher-student and peer interactions, accessibility, and accomplishments.