Above : The production Grandma remember me ?
Moon ( 2010 ) outlines the potential of acting out a story as a means of constructing new knowledge , stimulating thought and bringing about emotional learning . This was evident in the feedback , which captured new knowledge about dementia , their personal experiences and insights , the emotional impact of performance and translating knowledge into practice .
Students also shared the benefits of having time to ask questions and reflect on the experience .
New knowledge
The play was seen as a very effective vehicle for learning and students identified how it was an educational and engaging way to learn , with one student commenting : ‘ Brilliant play – did not understand dementia before , but this really opened my eyes to the disease . Great acting – truly inspirational .’
Another said : ‘ Great format for learning – much more informative than a book . This play was really engaging and educational .’
While others added : ‘ Extremely immersive way to learn , including the Q & A afterwards . Opening up a conversation and learning from others in a safe environment . Such a tender topic and so important ’; and ‘ Learning about all the simple and creative ways in which we can make a difference and impact positively on people ’ s lives and wellbeing .’
Personal experience of dementia
A number of students used the written evaluation as an opportunity to share something of their own experience of dementia and how the play echoed some of the challenges they faced .
‘ Although I didn ’ t experience dementia with my mum , it reminds me of what the family went through ,’ said one student .
Another fed back : ‘ It ’ s really amazing and moving with lived experience . Thank you for showing some aspects of difficulties . It ’ s
Above : Grandma and Lilly
really moving because it is echoing my own experience . Thank you for sharing . I am not the only person who feels that way emotionally .’
Another student called the play ‘ terrific ’ and said they were ‘ totally immersed in the story line ’ and that ‘ it brought back memories of my own family situation ’.
Carer support
The importance of support for the family and insights into carers needs was also evident in the responses . One student felt that the play ‘ really spoke ’ to them , saying : ‘ I ’ ve experienced exactly what the play was about as I was a carer for my grandmother . This needs to be shown more for awareness .’
Other students said it brought back tough memories of relatives , and helped them understand what happened to them better . One said the play ‘ offers good insight into a family ’ s experience ’.
Emotional learning
Students engaged emotionally in the performance and shared some of those feelings in their responses : ‘ The play was very emotional and educational . I loved the emotional expression of role play ’; ‘ Very emotive- I had to fight back the tears ’; and ‘ Incredibly moving and informative ’.
Preparation for practice
Preparing for their first practice placement and changing perceptions about dementia were also highlighted by some students .
One reflected : ‘ I ’ m about to go on a placement in elderly mental health . I wasn ’ t looking forward to it , I think through fear , but mostly because I didn ’ t see why they needed the care outside general self-care .
‘ I ’ m so wrong in my views and now very much looking forward to my placement . I hope more than anything I will be of help , even briefly .’
Other students said the experience was ‘ eye opening ’. One said : ‘ It was good to know about
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April 2022 OTnews 33