Creative drama in the post-pandemic classroom

"<< Background >>The project was initiated in response to the urgent needs of students that emerged as a result of the pandemic and remote learning. A significant increase in anxiety, social isolation, depression, insecurity, and a decline in motivation and basic skills among young people called for immediate action. The pandemic caused negative effects on the physical and mental health of young people, who often struggled to describe their problems or seek professional help. Research, including ""Remote Education in the Times of COVID-19"" and reports from the ""Dbam o Mój Zasięg"" Foundation and the Orange Foundation, revealed that nearly half of the students experienced a deterioration in their mental health. The decline in the quality of teacher-student and peer relationships further exacerbated the issue.In response, we chose creative drama as a tool to support students' mental health and build their self-confidence. Drama enables students to express emotions, reduce anxiety, and develop social skills while fostering intercultural exchange, breaking barriers, and promoting tolerance and diversity. Through the universal language of theatre, we effectively counteracted the negative effects of the pandemic.<< Objectives >>By implementing this project, we aimed to raise awareness on a national and international level about mental well-being, low proficiency in basic skills, learning difficulties, and the lack of key competences among young people in post-pandemic classrooms. Our goal was to equip students with the skills and tools necessary to minimise the effects of the pandemic, handle stressful situations, and overcome educational challenges.Through the use of creative drama methodology and coaching techniques, we sought to:- develop students' key competences using the universal language of theatre,- work on students' motivation and basic skills while promoting a partnership-based relationship in the educational process.<< Implementation >>As part of the project, various activities were carried out to support students and teachers in post-pandemic classrooms. We organised international project meetings where participants exchanged experiences and collaboratively created educational materials. Online training sessions were conducted for teachers, focusing on creative drama techniques, learning strategies, and mindfulness practices to better equip them to address the challenges of working with youth during the post-pandemic period.Students participated in creative drama workshops, enabling them to express emotions, build self-confidence, and develop social skills. Coaching sessions were also conducted to help students overcome educational difficulties and stay motivated in their learning.As part of dissemination efforts, an international online conference for teachers was held, providing free access to materials and guidance on using drama techniques in education. Workshops for students and teachers on project-based methods were also organised. All activities were designed to raise awareness of mental well-being and provide tools for working with young people in the aftermath of the pandemic.<< Results >>As a result of the project, concrete outcomes and achievements were delivered to support both students and teachers in addressing post-pandemic challenges. The main outcome was a teacher’s guide in the form of activity cards designed to help manage anxiety, promote relaxation, build social relationships, enhance communication, and develop students' key competences. Additionally, practical materials for teachers were created, including online training sessions, coaching scripts, newsletters, and two eBooks:- the first featuring mindfulness exercises to support stress management, reflection, and resilience,- the second focusing on learning strategies to aid in effective time and information management as well as teamwork.All materials were made available on an open online platform, allowing for broad distribution and easy access. The project outcomes were further enriched by promotional materials, podcasts, and play scripts developed during international project meetings."