Talking peace: an evaluation of peace circle community building events in secondary education
Date
2010
Authors
Bruns, Mallorie Ann, author
Merolla, Andrew, advisor
Timpson, William M., committee member
Griffin, CIndy L., committee member
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Abstract
The dialogue-centered program, Peace Circles, aims to foster connection between school community members by bringing them together to share stories from their lives. Advocates of Peace Circles contend that they help community members develop a greater understanding and appreciation for one another. The purpose of this study is to examine and evaluate two Peace Circles events that took place in April 2009 in northern Colorado high schools. More specifically, this study sought to determine the degree to which participation in Peace Circles affects students' and community members' perceptions of school connectedness. In addition, this study explored the reasons that participants would or would not participate in future Peace Circles. This study employed a survey-based methodology, asking participants to complete surveys both before and after partaking in Peace Circles. Results indicated that individuals' perception of school connectedness increased following their participation in the Peace Circles. That is, participants reported statistically significantly higher scores on school connectedness items on post-event surveys than on pre-event surveys. Over 95% of participants also reported that they would be willing to participate in future Peace Circles. Content analysis of participants' written responses produced six categories of reasons for why participants would attend future Peace Circles events: 1) the event was a positive experience, 2) the event fostered connection, 3) the event resulted in a sense of gain, 4) the event was conducive to sharing, 5) the event had a process that participants appreciated, and 6) the event fostered a better school environment. To conceptualize program effectiveness, the author draws upon literature from adolescent and child development, as well as educational research on school connectedness. Several theoretical perspectives were utilized to define the goals of Peace Circles, including dialogue, restorative practices, and conflict resolution. Applications and suggestions for future research are offered by the author, with the goal of promoting continued, theory-based utilization of Peace Circles in schools.
Description
Department Head: Sue Pendell.