Research and case studies

Please find a selection of research papers and evaluation reports which have been drawn from our Learning and Performance Network (LPN) and the work we have conducted based on our Stand up for Shakespeare manifesto. There are also further resources on the teaching of Shakespeare in England and across the key stages.

Research

A meta-analysis of the findings of our first cohort of teachers to take the postgraduate certificate. The findings of subsequent cohorts have proved fairly consistent:
Classroom Research on Teaching Shakespeare (PDF 335KB)

An analysis paper detailing the benefits of working actively with Shakespeare, as found by our 2007 cohort of teachers of the LPN:
The Benefits of Doing Shakespeare on your feet (PDF 312KB)

A research paper published by NATE in English in Education exploring the pros and cons of teaching Shakespeare on your feet through a case study of an LPN school:
Would you risk it for Shakespeare? A case study of using active approaches in the English classroom


Reports

Two reports about the LPN produced by the Centre for Educational Development Appraisal and Reseach (CEDAR) at the University of Warwick:

• An Evaluation of Stand up for Shakespeare: The Royal Shakespeare Company's Learning and Performance Network 2006 - 2009 (May 2009)
  Full report (PDF 742KB)
  Executive summary report (PDF 131KB)
  
  
• Creating a Community of Practice: Final Report to the Royal Shakespeare Company's Learning and Performance Network (March 2010)
  Full report (PDF 994KB)
  Executive summary report (PDF 193KB)

This report on the LPN was commissioned by Creativity Culture and Education:

• A study of the Learning Performance Network an education programme of the Royal Shakespeare Company (November 2010)
  Full report
  

Further resources

For more information on active approaches to Shakespeare across the key stages visit:
http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/node/113512

Read the lastest research report by DICE (Drama Improves Lisbon Key Competences in Education) on the impact of drama and theatre in education:
www.dramanetwork.eu/key_results.html

History of the teaching of Shakespeare in England was written as part of our Stand up for Shakespeare campaign in 2008:
History of the Teaching of Shakespeare in England (PDF 472KB)

We are always interested to hear from anyone carrying out research into the teaching and learning of Shakespeare, both in the UK and abroad. Please contact education@rsc.org.uk