Integrating drama into education: theoretical foundations and contemporary challenges

The purpose of this research is to offer an in-depth overview of key theoretical principles that support the integration of drama techniques into language teaching. By establishing a strong theoretical framework, the literature review introduces key theories underpinning drama pedagogy, explores its integration within broader communicative methodologies, and contrasts it with traditional teaching approaches. In addition to the theoretical insights, we conducted a systematic review that provided empirical evidence to support our findings and inform our practical recommendations. Our main findings indicate that, compared to traditional methods, drama enhances student engagement, communication skills, and confidence while reducing language anxiety, making it a highly effective tool for language acquisition. However, challenges such as limited teacher knowledge, insufficient class time, and a lack of structured programs persist, underscoring the need for enhanced teacher training, better resources, and a more standardized approach to drama in education. The study also identifies practical recommendations for implementing drama effectively in language classrooms. / Keywords: drama-based learning, effects of drama, language acquisition, teacher training, EFL teaching