摘要：P revious qualitative studies demonstrate that using drama methods in education has several benefits perceived by students, including increased empathy, social skills and self-expression. However, effectiveness studies in the area of drama education are very rare. The current paper reports on the effect of a school-based drama programme on social and emotional wellbeing for 4th and 5th graders (mean age 10.4 years). In the study, the benefits of school-based drama in primary school students were examined by using a controlled before-after design (N = 190). The response rate was 71%. Assessments were obtained at baseline and right after implementation of the programme from students and teachers. Additionally students (N=16) were interviewed through semi-structured focus group interviews after the program in the drama classes. The findings suggest that the benefits of drama methods were connected to social and emotional wellbeing, such as improved social relationships in the class, decreased bullying and increased understanding of diversity of people, and consequences of bullying. This paper furthermore discusses the dilemma of studying effectiveness of drama methods in the school setting.
