Improvisational theater games can foster a space where academics become more aware of their speech and behaviors in order to respond to their environment. Dr. Benjamin has published research around her improvisational workshops concluding that participants feel confident about their work and improv(e) their collaborative learning environments after participating. Based on attendees’ survey responses and follow-up phone interviews, the improvisation workshop provided tools to help participants become confident teachers, communicators, and leaders. Thus, learning improvisational techniques can foster a paradigm shift in designing and experiencing higher education and managerial techniques.
| How to yes-and: Using improvisational games to improv(e) communication, listening, and collaboration techniques in tourism and hospitality education |
Workshops Offered by Stefanie Benjamin, Ph.D.
Academic WorkshopThis workshop is designed for academics including undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty members. I focus on using improvisational games to strengthen listening skills, building confidence, and learning how to get out of our academic brains...and learn how to let loose! Participants say taking improv workshops has helped them in explaining their research, defending their thesis/dissertation, and comfortable teaching and presenting at conferences.
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Corporate WorkshopThis workshop is designed for folks in the corporate world focusing on collaboration, communication, difficult dialogue, and leadership skill building. During our time together, I help to create an environment where listening to your partner is key and we work toward building lasting relationships with co-workers. Lastly, this workshop builds confidence and lowers anxiety by increasing communication skills using the skill-set learned through improvisational games.
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Past/Upcoming Workshops
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University of Tennessee Courses
Fall 2019; Spring 2023; Knoxville, TN Florida International University June 2019. POD Course Design - Improv(e) You! Miami, Florida Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce January 17, 2019; Pigeon Forge, TN TN ProStart Professional Development June 19, 2018; Knoxville, TN University of Florida Hialeah Dental Center January 5, 2018; Hialeah, FL Critical Tourism Studies Conference June 24-27, 2017; Palma de Majorca, Spain The Geography Faculty Development Alliance (GFDA) June 23, 2017; Knoxville, TN Courtyard by Marriott - Leadership Training April 17, 2017; Pigeon Forge, TN CIDER Conference on Higher Education Pedagogy February 16, 2017; Virginia Tech University University of Tennessee Teacher Appreciation Week February 9, 2017; University of Tennessee |
Alliance for Better Nonprofits Conference
October 4, 2016; Maryville College, Knoxville, TN University of Tennessee Advisory Board Meeting October, 2016; Knoxville, TN University of Tennessee PhD RHTM Seminar Course October, 2016; Knoxville, TN University of Tennessee Faculty Retreat August, 2016; Knoxville, TN University of Tennessee PhD Consumer Behavior Class August, 2016; Knoxville, TN Critical Tourism Studies Conference August 4, 2016; Huntsville, Ontario, Canada International CHRIE (ICHRIE) Conference July 21, 2016; Dallas, TX The Geography Faculty Development Alliance (GFDA) June 24, 2016; Knoxville, TN |
