Searching for authenticity in student understanding of leadership: an approach using the methodology of Forum Theatre

Abstract

This article reports the use of Forum Theatre as a methodology to uncover young people‟s understanding of leadership. Thirty high school students (Years 9 to 11) participated in a process of collaborative inquiry using the method of Forum Theatre. Participants enacted two types of challenging classroom situations (student-student and student-teacher conflict) and explored alternative approaches to their resolution. Students enacted and evaluated three basic approaches to each situation: what typically happens, what they imagine is expected by authority figures, and what they consider to be an effective response. Peers generally evaluated their peer-appropriate strategies as more effective and demonstrative of leadership. However, they evidenced more difficulty in managing vertical (student-teacher) than horizontal (student-student)interactions. General principles for 'student leadership' were identified from the data. Participants evaluated the Forum Theatre method as a very engaging, safe and productive research method.