EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This paper briefly sets out the initial stages of research on the contribution of drama based improvisation and improvisation games to education, mainly by US-based researchers. It also outlines a funded research project (“Improv-Eyes”) currently underway in Limerick city involving parents and children at primary school level.

This paper explores the benefits to the teaching profession of using improvisation throughout the school curriculum. It draws evidence for this approach from recent research conducted in the United States together with recent INTO and NCCA reports into current education practise. Recognising that teachers have an immense workload and insufficient time to implement the demands of a typical school year curriculum, improvisation can help meet the learning outcomes required of students and build the foundations needed for inquisitive learners.