Activist Pedagogy, Critical-Democratic Citizenship, and Shared Education in Divided Societies: International Perspectives and Next Practices

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The symposium deals with activist pedagogy, empowering human agency, shared education and shared life. It conceptualizes the role of educators as agents of change in response to real-world challenging realities of injustice, violent conflict and lack of commitment to democratic values and genuine cultural diversity. The symposium discusses the moral and theoretical justifications to address such issues in the educational sphere but also shows that it is a practical project. Our specific focus in this collection is divided societies – those that struggle with ongoing social conflicts - and the ways in which the education sphere contributes to mitigating tensions, bringing diverse groups together while working to advance school achievements.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Democratic Citizenship in Education

Chair

• Wiel M. Veugelers, University of Humanistic Studies Utrecht

Papers

• The Role of Activist Pedagogy in Combating Dehumanization, Enhancing Personal Agency, and Establishing Shared Life - Nimrod Aloni, Hakibbutzim College of Education

• Promoting Reconciliation in Northern Ireland: The Importance of Equality - Tony M. Gallagher, Queen's University - Belfast

• Jewish-Arab Shared Learning in Israel as a Form of Activist Pedagogy: "Breaking the Walls" Between School and Society - Dafna Yitzhaki, Kibbutzim College

• Minority EFL Teachers on Shared-Life Education in Conflict-Ridden Contexts: A Voice From the Margins - Muzna Awayed-Bishara, Tel Aviv University

• Teaching Controversial Issues as Part of Education for Democratic Intercultural Citizenship: The Case of the Netherlands - Wiel M. Veugelers, University of Humanistic Studies Utrecht

Discussant

• Jaime G.A. Grinberg, Montclair State University