In this master's thesis, we explored whether creative movement and circus pedagogy can improve
the well-being of students and teachers in the classroom, as well as the associated classroom climate.
We also examined whether incorporating these approaches could enhance class cohesion and
deepen students' understanding of the concepts of cooperation and trust, while raising awareness of
the importance of these two areas in everyday life. We decided to conduct this research because
there is an increasing amount of peer bullying in schools, more children are in distress, and more
stories within school walls are ending tragically. This is also highlighted by studies showing that the
number of people in distress and with various mental health disorders is rising (Dekleva et al.,
2021).
In the theoretical part, we first presented and described the social-emotional development of
children. We discussed the role of the school, focusing primarily on the role of the class and the
teacher, and their influence on the individual and their personal development. We then described
both teaching approaches—creative movement and circus pedagogy—presenting their significance
and the positive impact they have on individuals and groups.
In the empirical part, we described the research we conducted, using a participatory action research
method with a qualitative research approach. The study involved 27 students from the same class,
including 12 boys and 15 girls, who attended the first grade of primary school during the 2022/2023
school year. The sample also included their class teacher. Over the course of one month, we carried
out activities focused on cooperation and trust in the areas of creative movement and circus
pedagogy. During this time, we kept a journal to document the feelings, thoughts, and observations
of both the students and ourselves. In addition to the journal entries, data collection included
students' documents as well as structured and semi-structured interviews.
Based on the results, we concluded that by implementing cooperation and trust exercises in the
areas of creative movement and circus pedagogy, and by discussing the importance of positive
collaboration, connection, trust, and respect for oneself and others, the students' understanding of
the concepts of cooperation and trust deepened. Their awareness of the significance of these
concepts in everyday life also increased. Positive results were also observed in the students' well
being in the classroom, which improved during the research. At the same time, the classroom
climate and interpersonal relationships among the students improved. They became more
empathetic, tolerant, and attentive toward each other. The relationship between the teacher and
students also improved. It became stronger, more trusting, and thus created a closer bond between
the teacher and the students.
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