Active learning in Mental Health Nursing - use of the Greek Chorus, dialogic knowing and dramatic methods in a university setting

This article recounts a teaching method employed in a mental health module delivered in Ireland to international nursing students. In it the authors propose that there is a place for innovative teaching methods which combine active learning, dialogue, hard-fun and metacognition to stimulate student engagement and rich learning. We discuss an innovation ‘Movie-shoot’ which incorporated role-play with an analytical commentary by a Greek Chorus of nursing students. We argue this flexible teaching method enhanced active and rich learning, critical reflection and engagement and may be appropriate for use in nursing education.