Play for Peace as a Violence Prevention Model: Achieving Voluntad y Convivencia. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gass, Michael; Gough, Sarah; Armas, Andres; Dolcino, Cristina
• Is Part Of: Journal of experiential education. Volume 39:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 412
• Page End: 426
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: peace education -- violence prevention -- experiential adventure learning; Education -- Periodicals; Experience -- Periodicals; Education -- Experimental methods -- Periodicals; Learning, Psychology of -- Periodicals; 370.1505
• DOI: 10.1177/1053825916674978
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-009X

Abstract

Violence prevention is a key focus for many intervention programs, yet little is known about how or why certain programs are able to successfully produce effective prevention efforts. The purpose of this study was to identify the essential elements of the Play for Peace (PFP) program, how it creates change in participants, and how it is successfully implemented in communities. Using an intrinsic case study research design, data were collected from participant observation and interviews and systematically sorted and triangulated to identify patterns and generalizations. Based on these findings, a multi-level experiential learning model emerged. This model focused on empowering individuals to be actively contributing and civically responsible citizens, striving with a strong will to achieve and maintain the peaceful coexistence of a nonviolent community (i.e., a culture of voluntad y convivencia ). Recommendations on how to expand the positive effects of the PFP program are discussed.