Exploring the capacity of human rights based actions in cultivating intercultural values in the Irish primary school.
Citation:
Joshua Jacob, 'Exploring the capacity of human rights based actions in cultivating intercultural values in the Irish primary school.'Download Item:
Abstract:
As Ireland’s population continues to become more diverse, it is essential that we analyse the
policies adopted to help encourage harmony in our society. This is especially pertinent for
our schools which mirror this diversifying society. Interculturalism is a key theory adopted
within Ireland to help encourage this harmony along with other positive societal values such
as dialogue, equality and a celebration of diversity. Human rights education can be defined
as children learning about and practicing the values associated with human rights.
Knowledge of human rights issues and the implementation of human rights education in
schools have long been associated with quality intercultural practice. This study reports the
perspectives of 5 school leaders whose schools are examples of best practice in the areas of
interculturalism and human rights based learning. These schools differ in terms of
denomination, size and setting but share common qualities relating to both intercultural and
human rights education. The school leaders give their opinions on the capacity of human
rights based actions to help cultivate intercultural values within their respective school
settings. They give biographical information on their own schools ‘journey’ to best practice
in relation to interculturalism and human rights education with emphasis on action based
initiatives. The implications of these views are critically analysed in relation to the relevant
literature within the area. The school leaders’ views along with the relevant literature allow
the author to conclude that human rights based actions have a strong part to play in the
development of intercultural values within a school. Recommendations stemming from this
research in an increased emphasis on action initiatives within the primary school, more
continuous professional development within the areas of human rights and interculturalism
for teachers and school leaders and greater scope to be included in the curriculum for the
teaching of human rights and interculturalism.
Author: Jacob, Joshua
Qualification name:
Master in Education Studies (Intercultural Education)Type of material:
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