AROUND CAMPUS
Saybel Pipitone Received Research Grant to Explore Promoting Healthy Masculinity
By Dr . Victoria Gilbert
Always the professionals , Saint David ’ s teachers are enacting new ways of growing and developing using the methods of practitioner research to interrogate their practice . Rather than attend a conference , webinar , or take a graduate school course , teachers can form their own questions after in-depth reading and synthesis of the topic in the literature . They can investigate the answers by systematically collecting data and analyzing it to draw informed conclusions . Some practitioner research requires data collection outside of classroom contact minutes , some is satisfied by examining documents that are already collected in the course of teaching , others may involve interviewing or observing other teachers while reflecting on one ’ s own practice . All of these form what is today known as practitioner research . This inquiry supports the highest standard of teacher professionalism .
Last spring , Mrs . Pipitone was selected by the International Boys School Coalition ( IBSC ) for the 2022-2023 action research cohort to investigate how boys could develop healthy identity concepts beyond the classroom . She will present her findings in July 2023 at the conference focusing on “ Balanced Boys : Promoting Healthy Masculinity Beyond the Classroom .” Mrs . Pipitone chose to focus her inquiry during the first semester of religion class this year and will share her findings with the Saint David ’ s faculty as well as member schools of the IBSC , an organization dedicated to preparing boys for lives of “ achievement , personal fulfillment , compassion and leadership .”
To prepare for her project implementation , over the summer Mrs . Pipitone researched the efficacy of learning that addresses the social and emotional wellness of students . Her analysis resulted in a literature review of more than 20 articles and a research plan for her study . This work was supported by Saint David ’ s professional development grants program . Mrs . Pipitone discovered that existing studies revealed that men who can identify and name their feelings and needs
Director of Teaching and Learning Jamie MacNeille ( left ) and Saybel Pipitone at the IBSC Conference in June 2022 .
are better able to resolve conflict . To study the specific impact of Nonviolent Communication methods developed by Marshall Rosenberg of the Center for Nonviolent Communication ( CNVC ), Mrs . Pipitone also studied the existing materials to see how they could be best used with Grade Eight boys . She selected a variety of exercises that support the boys ’ capacity to express themselves and empathize with others . A particular focus for the boys is learning to take responsibility for their own feelings , express their needs , and learn how to frame requests they make of others . Nonviolent Communication methodology aligns with Saint David ’ s mission to foster a community known for its sense of family , compassion , and kindness . Using journal entries , recorded small group discussions , and the projects the boys create to share with our Lower School students , Mrs . Pipitone will analyze and document the boys ’ growth and development as part of the religion curriculum . Their final projects will showcase their communication skills for the younger audience at the school and may include : playing with activity cards , creating an Ebook , a poster , or a video of a puppet show where the characters demonstrate their ability to distinguish among observations , feelings , needs , and requests . We are eagerly awaiting the results of the boys ’ learning and mastery of these new tools for communicating in healthy ways .
Winter 2023 • 31