REFI: a framework for categorizing the measures of PK-12 theatre education in the BANI World

• In Event: Diverse and inclusive education: refugee integration, remote tutoring and theatre education

Proposal

Introduction
The world today is characterized by unprecedented levels of complexity and uncertainty. The BANI framework, which stands for Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible, aptly captures the essence of the modern era (Cascio, 2020). In such a world, traditional educational approaches often fall short in preparing students for the multifaceted challenges they will face. PK-12 theatre education, with its emphasis on creativity, emotional expression, and collaborative problem-solving, offers unique benefits that are particularly relevant in the BANI context. This paper proposes the REFI framework as a tool for categorizing and assessing the impact of PK-12 theatre education, focusing on four key dimensions: Resilience, Empathy, Flexibility, and Intuition.

Purposes
The primary purposes of this study are to:
1.Develop the REFI Framework: Establish the REFI framework to systematically categorize and assess the impact of PK-12 theatre education on key dimensions: Resilience, Empathy, Flexibility, and Intuition.
2.Analyze Existing Research: Examine and synthesize current research to understand how theatre education influences the development of resilience, empathy, flexibility, and intuition in students.
3.Provide Practical Recommendations: Offer actionable recommendations for integrating theatre education into PK-12 education to effectively address the challenges posed by the BANI world and enhance students' adaptability and overall development.

Theoretical Framework
The REFI framework builds on existing theories of experiential learning (Kolb, 1984), resilience (Masten, 2001), and emotional intelligence (Goleman, 1995) , integrating them into a cohesive structure that addresses the specific needs of the BANI world. It categorizes key measures of theatre education into four dimensions:
1.Resilience: Managing stress, adapting to change, persisting in the face of challenges, coping with bullying and violence, and achieving academically.
2.Empathy: Developing emotional intelligence, perspective-taking, compassionate communication, and preventing bullying and violence.
3.Flexibility: Enhancing creative thinking, problem-solving, adaptable learning strategies, and cognitive development.
4.Intuition: Fostering critical thinking, decision-making, reflective practice, and spontaneity.

Methods
To develop and validate the REFI framework, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods. Thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) is used to analyze qualitative data from existing literature on theatre education. Quantitative data from meta-analyses and empirical studies are synthesized to evaluate the impact of theatre education on the REFI dimensions.

Data Sources
The data sources for this study include peer-reviewed journals, meta-analyses, and empirical studies on theatre education. Key references include works by Akyıl and Deniz (2022), Batdi and Batdi (2015), Bayram (2024), Catterall (2007), and Lewandowska and Węziak-Białowolska (2020), etc.

Results
The analysis reveals that theatre education significantly enhances resilience, empathy, flexibility, and intuition among PK-12 students. Key findings include:
1.Resilience: Theatre education improves stress management, adaptability, and persistence (Bayram, 2024; Masten, 2001).
2.Empathy: Students develop better emotional intelligence and perspective-taking skills (Akyıl & Deniz, 2022; Goldstein & Lerner, 2018).
3.Flexibility: Theatre fosters creative thinking and problem-solving abilities (Irugalbandara, 2020).
4.Intuition: Engagement in theatre activities enhances critical thinking and decision-making skills (Dima et al., 2020; Dima et al., 2021; Seven, 2021).

Scholarly Significance of the Study
The REFI framework provides a valuable tool for researchers, policymakers, and educators to understand and enhance the impact of PK-12 theatre education in the BANI world. By categorizing the measures of PK-12 theatre education into Resilience, Empathy, Flexibility, and Intuition, the framework offers a structured approach to evaluating and improving PK-12 theatre education programs.
1.Theoretical Contribution:
1)The REFI framework synthesizes existing theories of experiential learning, resilience, and emotional intelligence, offering a comprehensive model to examine the holistic benefits of theatre education.
2)By contextualizing these theories within the BANI world, the framework addresses specific contemporary challenges, enriching our understanding of theatre education's role in fostering essential life skills.
2.Practical Implications:
1)The REFI framework aligns with contemporary educational priorities, such as social-emotional learning and 21st-century skills, making it a relevant tool for policymakers and educators.
2)It provides practical guidelines for integrating theatre education into PK-12 curricula, enhancing students' adaptability and overall development.
3)The structured approach allows for systematic evaluation and improvement of theatre education programs, better supporting students' emotional and cognitive growth.
3.Future Research:
1)Longitudinal studies are needed to validate the long-term impact of theatre education on the REFI dimensions.
2)Further research should explore the differential impact of theatre education across diverse student populations and educational settings.
3)Investigating the mechanisms through which theatre education fosters resilience, empathy, flexibility, and intuition can enhance the development of effective theatre education methodologies.

Conclusion
The BANI world presents unique challenges that require innovative and adaptive educational approaches. PK-12 theatre education, with its emphasis on emotional expression, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving, offers valuable benefits that are particularly relevant in this context. The REFI framework provides a structured approach to categorizing and assessing the measures of PK-12 theatre education, focusing on Resilience, Empathy, Flexibility, and Intuition. By enhancing our understanding of these dimensions, the framework can inform the development of PK-12 theatre education programs that better equip students to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of the modern world. As such, the REFI framework represents a significant contribution to the field of educational research and practice, offering valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and educators alike.

Author

• Chenchen Shi, Department of Theatre Pedagogy, The Central Academy of Drama