Inclusivity and wellbeing in the classroom: A qualitative study on the impact of Body Percussion in promoting health and psycho-physical well-being
Mariapia Mazzella, Arianna Fogliata
The study analyzes the effectiveness of Body Percussion as an inclusive educational activity aimed at promoting students’ physical and psychological well-being through a multidisciplinary approach. Drawing on Booth and Ainscow’s framework on inclusive education and on embodied cognition, which emphasizes the connection between body, mind, and emotions in learning processes, the research highlights the benefits of Body Percussion for pupils’ motor, cognitive, and musical development. The experimental intervention involved 75 primary and secondary school students and was conducted using qualitative observations and pre- and post-activity questionnaires. The results showed strong emotional engagement: 80% of primary school pupils and 91% of secondary school students reported positive or highly engaging emotions. These findings suggest that Body Percussion can stimulate motivation, improve social interaction, strengthen resilience, and foster collaborative and active learning. In conclusion, Body Percussion is confirmed as an innovative and versatile educational tool capable of enriching the school experience through a holistic approach. By integrating cognitive, bodily, and emotional dimensions, it contributes to the creation of an inclusive and stimulating school environment that supports students’ psychophysical growth and enhances their ability to face future challenges.
Keywords
Inclusivity, psycho-physical well-being, Body Percussion, embodied cognition, holistic approach.