Drama has its uses beyond the stage and screen. It can even be applied to workplace challenges.
In a creative approach to learning, second-year students from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology and Tourism subject groups have been using drama to explore workplace challenges and propose practical solutions.
As part of their Training and Development module, students were tasked with identifying gaps in real-world company training practices and presenting strategic responses through dramatised scenarios.
They acted out these scenarios at a special training event held at the Mahikeng Campus on 12 June.
The event received support from key stakeholders, including Tsebo Cleaning Company, the Gardening Company and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union. Their presence underscored the relevance of the issues raised and encouraged dialogue between students and practitioners.
Combining theory and performance
Drawing on models such as Nadler’s Critical Events Model and the High-Impact Learning Model, the students combined academic theory with performance to demonstrate applied knowledge.
Each group focused on challenges such as ineffective onboarding, poor skills development and lack of continuous learning. Their drama performances offered practical solutions rooted in human resources development models, highlighting the importance of structured training and employee support.
“The goal was to get students to think critically about how organisations approach employee training and how those approaches can be improved,” says Kholiswa Mogoeng, lecturer and leader of the initiative from the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management. “This exercise gave them the chance to apply theory in a tangible, impactful way.”
She also expressed appreciation to the subject groups Human Resource Management and Industrial Psychology for their continued support in enriching student learning experiences and preparing students for the world of work.
Students bring HR theory to life through drama performances.
