The Presbítero Tomás Ruíz Choral Poetry Circle and its impact on artistic and stagecraft skills

Abstract

Artistic and performance skills are essential competencies that every graduate in Language and Literature should possess. This study examines the diverse skills that students have developed during their teacher training, and how many of them are familiar with the Presbítero Tomás Ruíz Poetry Circle as a space offered by UNAN-León to enhance these skills. The need for future graduates to master essential competencies such as declamation and public speaking is justified. The study was framed within the Participatory Action Research (PAR) paradigm, specifically an applied qualitative approach. Data collection was conducted through a digital survey of 40 teachers who are currently enrolled in the three teacher training programs. The majority of participants were women, with an average age of 22. Selection criteria focused on active teachers with an explicit interest in literature, art, and the importance of the Circle to their professional development. The results confirmed that a variety of skills were developed through the curriculum, including writing, scriptwriting, recitation, public speaking competitions, literary gatherings, and festivals, with a high percentage of students positively valuing the program's contribution. However, these skills should be further refined for each student. It is concluded that the Poetry Circle is an invaluable resource that should be promoted to enhance public speaking, recitation, and performance skills, helping students achieve professionalism in their chosen field.