Embodying Empathy: Performing Arts and SEL - With Sharmila Miller

In this conversation with Sharmila Miller, we learn about her experience as a drama teacher and anti-racism facilitator within education and performing arts. Sharmila shares how the process of teaching drama inherently involves engaging students with empathy, perspective taking, conflict resolution and problem solving skills. She also explains how she uses performing arts techniques for anti-racist education and facilitation. Through this fun and engaging dialogue, we are challenged to rethink formalized SEL education and reflect on the myriad ways sociality and emotionality are already embedded in the learning process.

Participants:
Adishi Gupta, MA, Independent Scholar
Emma McMain, PhD, University of Arkansas
Sharmila Miller, Drama & English Teacher, Maple Ridge, British Columbia (SD 42)
Facilitator: Adishi Gupta
Editor: Adam Engelbrecht

References and Resources:

• Interdisciplinary Arts Academy at School District 42, British Columbia: https://www.sd42.ca/academy/interdisciplinary-arts/
• Dr. Sarah Fine, “Lessons in Powerful Learning from the Fringes”: https://www.humanrestorationproject.org/podcasts/lessons-in-powerful-learning-from-the-fringes-w-dr-sarah-fine
• Augusto Boal and Theatre of the Oppressed: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Augusto-Boal
• Different levels of racism framework: https://www.raceforward.org/what-racial-equity-0