Introduction
Youth violence in schools is a pervasive issue that can have far-reaching consequences on students' social, mental, and physical well-being. The research article "Say Something, Do Something: Evaluating a Forum Theater Production to Activate Youth Violence Prevention Strategies in Schools" presents an innovative approach to addressing this issue through arts-based interventions. This blog explores how practitioners can enhance their skills by implementing the findings of this research and encourages further exploration into the use of forum theater as a tool for youth violence prevention.
Understanding the Forum Theater Approach
Forum theater, a form of participatory theater, engages audiences by inviting them to become active participants in the performance. This method allows students to explore real-life scenarios and practice conflict resolution strategies in a safe and controlled environment. The research highlights the success of the "Say Something, Do Something" (SSDS) production in St. Louis, Missouri, which was developed to address youth violence by enhancing students' social-emotional learning and conflict management skills.
Key Findings from the Research
- Increased student knowledge and changed attitudes towards violence.
- Improved conflict management and problem-solving skills among students.
- Enhanced interpersonal behavior and empathy.
- Raised awareness of the need for systemic and policy changes in schools.
The research underscores the importance of engaging school personnel in program development to ensure the language and scenarios presented are relevant to students. This collaborative approach not only makes the intervention more relatable but also more effective in achieving its goals.
Implementing Forum Theater in Schools
For practitioners looking to implement forum theater in their schools, the following steps can be taken:
- Engage School Personnel: Involve teachers, counselors, and administrators in the development of the theater program to ensure it addresses the specific needs and challenges of the student population.
- Utilize Real-Life Scenarios: Base the theater production on real-life situations that students encounter, using language and contexts familiar to them.
- Facilitate Interactive Sessions: Encourage students to participate actively by suggesting alternative outcomes and practicing conflict resolution strategies.
- Provide Educational Resources: Offer teachers and staff educational materials to facilitate pre- and post-production discussions, reinforcing the lessons learned during the performance.
Encouraging Further Research
While the research on SSDS provides valuable insights, further studies are needed to explore the long-term impact of forum theater on youth violence prevention. Practitioners are encouraged to collaborate with researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of arts-based interventions in different school settings and to identify best practices for implementation.
Conclusion
Forum theater presents a promising approach to addressing youth violence in schools by fostering social-emotional learning and conflict management skills. By engaging students in participatory performances, schools can create a supportive environment that empowers students to navigate conflicts constructively. Practitioners are encouraged to explore the potential of forum theater as a tool for promoting positive behavior change and to contribute to the growing body of research in this field.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Say Something, Do Something: Evaluating a Forum Theater Production to Activate Youth Violence Prevention Strategies in Schools.
