THE ROLE OF DRAMA METHOD IN SPEAKING FLUENCY IN TEACHING TURKISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

The highest priority of language learning goals is to communicate through that language. The basic competencies required in communication are listening-comprehension and speaking-expression. Traditional methods and techniques are seen to be used in the acquisition process of speaking skills in teaching Turkish as a foreign language. As a result, activities that enable students to become sufficiently active during the learning process cannot be implemented. For this reason, it is also important to include contemporary methods in teaching Turkish as a foreign language, as well as practical activities to improve basic language skills. In this research, it was aimed to determine the role of drama method on the fluency skills of students in teaching Turkish as a foreign language. The research was designed with the concept of action research in the framework of qualitative research approach. It was carried out at language teaching center called „Turkish and Foreign Language Teaching Application and Research Center‟ in Erzincan. Participants were a researcher, foreign students and a committee to check the validity. The data of the study were obtained by observation, interview, researcher's diary, and video recordings. The obtained data were analyzed by using descriptive analysis and content analysis. At the end of the research, it was seen that in teaching Turkish as a foreign language, drama method had an important effect in acquiring fluency skills, and it produced positive changes in the communication skill of the target group.