Overview

This seminal volume juxtaposes and interrogates established definitions of peacebuilding and excellence in diverse education settings, including in conflict, and assesses how they might work together in international educational contexts. Showcasing in‑depth case studies from Rwanda, Ethiopia, Liberia, and the UK, chapters tackle issues of global significance such as identity, conflict, decolonisation, and climate justice, fusing empirical research outcomes with practical examples. Each chapter argues for the central role of peacebuilding in defining excellence in education, demonstrating context‑specific, cognitive, affective, and relational strands of learning and teaching. Ultimately challenging contemporary thinking and educational theory in an accessible, practitioner‑focused way, this book demonstrates how imaginative and reflective practice in diverse contexts can lead to the educational transformation required for the world’s current and future challenges. This book will inspire educators, researchers, and policymakers involved with education policy and politics, citizenship education, and teacher education and development, to work towards change both within classrooms and at the systems level so that education can contribute to peacebuilding through new definitions of excellence.

Full Product Details

9781032702711

Table of Contents

Reviews

'It is great to have the uber-accessible voice of Sir Keith Ajegbo’s introduction. This enriches the book and its total authenticity. […] The case studies are all fascinating and the storytelling style is wonderful, taking the reader along to reveal the impact of these brilliant interventions. […] The focus on the arts, senses and relationships including the importance of tone and greetings really comes through… the descriptions of the wide-ranging work on peacebuilding are vivid and strong. […] There are also clear reflections on the limitations both on teachers and the efficacy of certain work, especially in the area of environmental education and climate justice. The authors make it clear how paralysing a certain take on colonialism can be, and put their dilemmas and positionality on the line. […] Kotler and Westbrook are both such a positive force for good who clearly instil safety and confidence in the people they work with, with their attention, commitment – and hope. It is as Hamze Awade says (talking about Israel/Palestine), “There is no hope, so we have to create it.” The book is so timely and will generate huge interest among academics and practitioners alike.' - Carrie Supple, Educator, Peace Campaigner and founder and former CEO of NGO ‘Journeys to Justice’. She has over 45 years of experience in education and human rights work. 'Kotler and Westbrook write beautifully about the challenges of linking excellence in education with peacebuilding. They draw on personal experiences with various education development initiatives in the UK and across several African contexts. With a thoughtful analysis grounded in concepts of moral imagination, daily activism and everyday peacebuilding, highlighting the capacity of educators to promote peace and quality teaching in tandem through critical reflection and action in schools, the book is a refreshing read. It offers a balanced perspective on the systemic challenges but also agential possibilities for peace and excellence through teaching and learning in diverse contexts. ... Perhaps most importantly, the book demonstrates hope in the face of overwhelming challenges. All in all, it is a riveting read, and readers will appreciate the practical activities shared throughout the text that help to bring peacebuilding education to life.' - Kevin Kester, Associate Professor, Comparative International Education and Peace/Development Studies, Seoul National University, Korea.

Author Information

Angie Kotler is a Research Fellow in International Education, University of Sussex, UK. Jo Westbrook is Professor of International Education and Pedagogy, and Co‑Director of the Centre for International Education, University of Sussex, UK.

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