Journals as a Tool for Learning and Evaluation in Drama and Conflict Research Projects Involving Adolescents

Abstract

This paper analyses the use of journals as tools for drama research with adolescents in schools in two countries—Sweden and Australia. Journals were used as a tool for reflection and learning and also to assess the effectiveness of strategies used in drama in education sessions to teach Year 8 and 9 adolescent participants to handle conflicts at school. These sessions were conducted as part of the Swedish and South Australian sub-projects of the DRACON International project.

Keywords:

• CROSS-CULTURAL RESEARCH
• REFLECTION IN DRAMA
• ISSUES-BASED DRAMA

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Margret Lepp

Margret Lepp is a senior lecturer at Borås University College, School of Health Sciences in Sweden. Her main field of research includes drama for conflict management, drama in health care education, drama for cultural understanding and drama for patients and their caregivers. She is currently involved in the DRACON International research project with Malaysia, Australia and the USA. She is coeditor of Drama for Life. Stories of Adult Learning and Empowerment.

Dale Bagshaw

Dale Bagshaw is the Director of the Conflict Management Research Group at the University of South Australia. She is also the Director of Postgraduate Studies and the Program Director for the Doctor of Human Service Research, Masters and Graduate Diploma in Conflict Management and the Graduate Certificate in Mediation in the School of Social Work and Social Policy. Dale is the Acting President of the World Mediation Forum and President of the Asia Pacific Mediation Forum and has trained and published extensively in the field of mediation and conflict management. Dale has been the chief researcher for the Adelaide arm of the DRACON International project.