OUR SHAKESPEARIAD: ROMEO AND JULIET IN THE CONTEXT OF PROJECT-BASED LEARNING

Abstract

The project Our Shakespeariad, carried out in the Fourteenth Belgrade Grammar School in April 2023, required a high degree of engagement of students, who proved to be ready to take on the role of researchers, but also to put themselves in various other roles that the different phases of the project required. All the tasks that involved group work could not have been successfully completed without the joint participation and collaborative approach of all students. The successful completion of research tasks resulted in the following general outcomes: 1) Students demonstrated and improved their knowledge of Shakespeare's life and
work; 2) Students demonstrated a well-argued and in-depth understanding of key themes and
motifs in Shakespeare's works; 3) Through changing the genre of Romeo and Juliet,
researching its themes in the context of the 21st century, writing letters and making podcasts,
students examined Shakespeare’s impact on contemporary culture and his importance in the
modern world; 4) Students developed analytical skills through creative tasks; 5) Students
deepened their understanding of stage art and theater production through discussion theater
and puppet theatre. All project activities resulted in visible products, such as musical
compositions, performances, etc., which testify to the overall success of the project. Based
on all of the above, Our Shakespeariad can serve as an example, model or inspiration for
future similar projects, which can be implemented in Serbian language and literature as well
as foreign languages courses, with appropriate adjustments to the students’ age and level of
knowledge.