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Incorporating Peace Studies into Education
- 1. Incorporating Peace Studies intoEducation Presented to University College in Telemark May 11, 2015 Ellen Ahlness Maddie Cominetti Ian Langseth
- 2. We strive tocreate a friendly classroom community that teaches students the value of peace studies, while equipping them with the skills and knowledge to carry the lessons into their adulthood and personal lives. This will be done by combining our Five Values (the Five I’s) of Peace Studies with subjects relevant to each stage of the students’ development. Peace Education Mission Statement
- 3. The Five I’sof a Peace Studies Education 1. Interdisciplinary: Peace studies dissects traditional subject lines, either through one class, or by coordinating several classes. 2. Inclusive: All students, regardless of religion, orientation, ethnicity, or other differences are encouraged to participate fully and without judgement. 3. Initiative: Projects are student-led, letting them take charge of their education and focus on subjects that are important to them. 4. Impact: Subjects taught are relevant to each age range, as well as current world affairs. 5. Influence: Students will carry their lessons into their personal lives, and will pass the values onto the next generation.
- 4. Transition--from Elementary toUniversity There is a natural flow of peace studies and incorporation from the primary to university level. Beginning with teaching basic skills and a peaceful mentality, lessons can become more complex as the student grows, further challenging the student while still sticking to the roots of peace education.
- 5. Teaching Peace inthe Elementary Classroom- Why? • Starting our education early, we can teach the values and good, peaceful habits • The goal is to have them carry on the habits through adulthood • Studies show that calmer students makes for calmer teachers • A calmer environment makes for more learning • With energy outlets being cut for more academics, students need a method of release “First keep peace with yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.” -Thomas A. Kempis
- 6. Teaching Peace inthe Elementary Classroom- How? • Focus more on basic skills and fundamentals of achieving personal peace • Conflict management skills • How language affects others • Mindful listening and thinking skills • How to use the skills in everyday life • Tying peace education into normal curriculum • Establishing “Peace Clubs” or after school organizations • Educating our teachers to be positive role models • Children will follow what is demonstrated “If we don’t teach our children peace, someone else will teach them violence.’’ -Coleman McCarthy
- 7. Taking Action- TheElementary Level Small steps in the right direction lead towards giant strides for our future. Here’s what our children can do to begin their lives as advocates of peace: Start a school or community garden Volunteer at local shelters or places for people in need Donate to causes important to them or their community Share their information and skills with their peers, friends, and family “It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it.
- 8. What Bø Thinks Atthe end of our “Give Peace A Hand” event, we asked those remaining to fill out a survey we compiled. Here’s what you had to say: “Children start learning about what’s around them. By starting early, we will adapt easier to both the concept of others and peace.” “The earlier the better (it sticks with children more).” “Children have to form their mindset at an early age.” “It must be taught (it gives them something to invest in for the future).” “They need to be taught. There is both good and bad in people and you must choose which to feed.” “I think it's naive to pray for world peace if we're not going to change the form in which we live.”
- 9. Peace Studies Atthe High School Level When asked, most people surveyed believed that younger ages were more important in the peace studies curriculum. High school is where people start dropping off in support for peace studies in the school. Primary Middle High School University 11 9 8 7 What level should peace studies classes be offered at? High school is where students: ● develop deeper critical thinking skills ● have more independence ● have the ability to make a difference and act in their community. Therefore, it is imperative that peace studies remain a part of the curriculum at the high school level.
- 10. High School PeaceStudies: Relevance and Contribution There are many reasons for Peace Studies to be incorporated as a program at the junior high and high school levels. Peace Ring participants elaborated on: “At a middle school age students realize they can make their own decisions that affect others.” “Young people are more likely to participate in personal endeavors.” “In high school they will be mature enough.” “At this age, people start to be more interested in global problems and are realizing they will have to deal with them. They are also more respectful to adults, since they are almost adults themselves.” Therefore, this is a transition period. If neglected, gains in peace studies can be lost.
- 11. Higher Education Contributesto a More Peaceful Society “High education develops us as people, which contributes to a society where people work through their problems better.” “It gives a chance to insert peace into every step of education, from child to adulthood.” “It gives more views to create your opinion of the world, since information is important. What you don’t know, you fear. And when you don’t know, you don’t act.” “When you are educated, it is easier to respect and understand the differences between people.”
- 12. The International Aspectof High School High school is a period of deeper thought. “I think that in every age it is important to have not just peace: also friendship, compromise, and group activities. Everything should be done together.” High school is a time of interpersonal problems and social conflicts. Conflicts stem from differences. “Humans have instincts of peace, but also aggression. I think it is important to learn how to control bad impulses, then peace will improve by itself.” Take these differences and challenges and use them to grow a new mentality.
- 13. Criteria for PeaceStudies Events Emphasis on group work, coordination, mediating differences within personal and global worldviews. “School taught us how to be an open minded person. There are many other cultures, traditions, and nationalities. They each have their unique way of thinking and living. Therefore, when engaging with others, those who are “different” than you, you should have an open mind. They aren’t that “different” after all.” -Student From Turkish International High School Emphasis on the “Five I’s”: Inclusive, and Impact. International studies ties in with these criteria.
- 14. Ways to IncorporatePeace Studies into High School Coordinate subjects between Classes (Literature and History: Slave Trade and Internment) Host International Nights Roleplay Complex Interpersonal Situations Service Projects (NHS, Community Outreach) Challenge Pre-Held Concepts Study of World Religions and Peace Leaders
- 15. Sustainability in HighSchool Peace Studies Incorporating an international focus into peace studies promotes a sustainable model of education through new sills. These “skills for the new century” prepare students for further education and international careers. “One thing that my high school taught me is that a person should not limit themselves mentally. It expanded my horizons, and encouraged me to see my world outside of my own country. About 80% of graduates from my high school go to four parts of the globe to get their college education. That is how I find myself in the United States now.” -Student From Turkish International High School International lessons inherently promote mediation and compromise. In an interconnected world, global lessons can be used at home.
- 16. Peace Education atthe University Level When surveyed at the Give Peace A Hand Event, 7 out of the 22 people who took the survey said that peace studies education should be offered at the university level “Peace is a way of living. We should all learn about it through each stage of life, and we shouldn’t stop when we get to university” “Adults are more mature and can understand complex issues more deeply” “As an adult you can choose if you want to participate in it or not”
- 17. Universities in theUnited States and Canada that offer Peace Studies Courses and Programs New York: 3 Colgate University Manhattan College Nazareth College North Carolina: 1 Guilford College Ohio: 2 John Carroll University Kent State University Pennsylvania: 3 Juniata College Messiah College Texas: 1 University of North Texas Virginia: 2 Eastern Mennonite University George Mason University Washington: 1 Whitworth University Wisconsin: 1 Marquette University Washington D.C: 1 American University Canada Manitoba: 1 Canadian Mennonite University Ontario: 3 Conrad Grebel University College King’s University College University of Toronto United States California: 2 Chapman University University of California, Berkeley Colorado: 2 Naropa University Regis University Illinois: 1 Depaul University Indiana: 6 Butler University Depauw University Earlham College Goshen College Manchester University University of Notre Dame Maryland: 2 Goucher College Salisbury University Massachusetts: 3 Hampshire College Tufts University Wellesley College Minnesota: 2 Bethel University College of St. Benedict & St. John’s Nebraska: 2 Creighton University Hastings College Source: http://www.peacecolleges.com/guide
- 18. Common Themes inthe Peace Studies Programs Currently Offered • Many of these Universities are either smaller or religious institutions, with some having an emphasis on faith-based learning • Many offer conflict management or resolution as part of the curriculum • Studying abroad is either highly encouraged or mandatory to complete many of these programs • Service learning or volunteering is also encouraged or mandatory • Many of the programs are interdisciplinary and include other subjects such as humanities, sciences, sociology, anthropology, and gender studies. • Classes are offered on practical methods for peacebuilding such as meditation, non-violence, and conflict management.
- 19. What Can OtherUniversities Do? • Create their own peace studies program, whether it is an undergraduate or graduate program, or simply offer classes relating to aspects of peace studies in different fields. • Encourage students to study abroad and make it more accessible, giving students an opportunity to experience cultures and places they otherwise would not. • Give students opportunities to learn practical skills to apply in their personal lives and to help others, such as conflict management, meditation, how to be empathetic with others, etc • Encourage and give students the opportunity to volunteer or participate in service learning • Create an environment that encourages students to be politically and socially active .