Episode 5: The Path to Pro-Creativity feat. Dr. Dawn Kobayashi

Episode 5: The Path to Pro-Creativity feat. Dr. Dawn Kobayashi

Dr. Dawn Kobayashi (Onomichi City University) first encountered drama as a shy teenager on England’s south coast, when a high-school drama elective gave her a safe, structured way to explore perspective, emotion, and communication.

She later moved to Japan, taught kindergarten and primary classes, completed a PhD, and now works in higher education, where she also supports teachers who want to integrate performance into their practice. She has used drama, improvisation, and other performance activities at every level to build student confidence, self-efficacy, and personal expression in ways that traditional methods often cannot.

In this episode she discusses:
• how drama and improv create space for clearer thinking and stronger communication
• practical PIE-style activities that teachers can start using immediately
• how she uses AI sparingly and deliberately, only to support reflection and never at the expense of students’ own creative voices

This thoughtful conversation shows why drama remains one of the most effective tools we have for genuine learning and personal growth.

If you want to see how a few simple performance activities can change the way students learn and express themselves at every educational level, press play.

Links to Dr. Kobayashi's articles and YouTube videos:

https://researchmap.jp/dakob?lang=en

https://scholar.google.co.jp/citations?user=8hq9whgAAAAJ&hl=ja

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWCETpQjjAQ

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For tips on how to cite these episodes using APA 7th edition, use the link below:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uLVARUdviigboSQXkJXfgNm0zNkMsal6brBvwpmTKWM/edit?usp=sharing