Our views: performing coexistence in secondary schools of the Basque Country (Spain)

ABSTRACT

This research analyses the impact of an applied theatre programme (Our Views) on fostering coexistence in four secondary schools in the Basque Country (Spain). Qualitative study reflected a positive impact on participants' socioemotional skills. Improved relationships are among the positive effects detected in group participants' lives. The project has opened a space for reflection on coexistence among adolescents and for raising students' awareness concerning issues that they sometimes face. It has facilitated some changes in students' behaviours in their immediate contexts. This research provides evidence of Our Views programme's effectiveness in promoting positive coexistence among secondary school students.

KEYWORDS:

• Forum Theatre
• playbuilding
• coexistence
• citizenship
• secondary
• Basque

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Term in Basque. Translation: Euskadi (Basque Country) and Feedom.

2 Basque educational policy is developed between the limits of the Spanish constitutional framework and competencies established within the framework of the Autonomy Statute for The Basque Country (EAPV, 1979).

3 Term in Basque. Translation: From Peace.

4 Tutoring Class is provided as part of a nationwide Tutoring Plan that promotes students’ personal and social skills, while systematizing activities for vocational orientation. Weekly, one hour is dedicated to conducting specific tutoring and mentoring activities within each class.

5 Term in Basque.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea/University of the Basque Country's Grant (Period: from 2014 to 2018).

Notes on contributors

Esther Uria-Iriarte

Esther Uria-Iriarte PhD. Assistant Professor at the Department of Educational Sciences, University of the Basque Country. She also has a trajectory as professional actor. Esther's research interests include: applied drama/theatre, arts-based research, coexistence and gender studies.

Javier Galarreta-Lasa

Javier Galarreta-Lasa He holds a PhD in Education. Professor emeritus at the Department of Didactics and School Organization in the University of the Basque Country. He has developed teaching and research around social exclusion and disability, both in the educational system and in the workplace.

Luis Lizasoain-Hernández

Luis Lizasoain-Hernández He holds a PhD in Education. Professor emeritus at the Department of Methods of Research and Diagnosis in Education at the University of the Basque Country. Researcher in education, specialising in large-scale evaluation of effectiveness and school improvement.