Implementing Peace Education in Colombia: Teachers' Understanding and Perceived Challenges of Cátedra de la Paz

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Cross-Cultural and International Learning Environments

Abstract

The longest internal conflict in Colombia was concluded in 2016 leading to the creation of Cátedra de la Paz, a peace and citizenship education course. However, teachers’ views of the course and the challenges they face remain unknown. This study examined teacher’s understanding of Cátedra de la Paz and the challenges they face when implementing it. Data were collected from 45 teachers using qualitative survey. Subsequent interviews were used with 10 selected teachers. Results show that a) teachers have more integrated views of the curse compared to the guideline provided, and b) teachers face several challenges implementing the course. Findings highlight the need to provide context-oriented support for teachers that consider their way of understanding the course.

Authors

• Esteban Morales, The University of British Columbia

• Engida Hailye Gebre, Simon Fraser University