John Keast, Athens, 8 October st Regional Debate on “The religious dimension of intercultural education” Athens, 8- 9 October 2007 “The Religious dimension of intercultural education” The main outcome of the Council of Europe project: “Religious Diversity and Intercultural Education: a Reference Book for Schools” - its purpose, nature and use John Keast, UK

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Purposes of presentation Disseminate information about the Reference Book Identify issues concerning religion, education and dialogue in the book Consider the examples of current practice in the Reference book

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Background to CoE project The rise of religious dimension 9/11 and other events New thinking on intercultural education ‘Building stable and cohesive societies’ programme, and leading to Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Project realised the need to examine role of religion and religions in Europe their contribution to intercultural education and dialogue - not just as problems of tension and conflict - but as part of the solution

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Education also part of solution Neither quick nor easy Diverse cultural and educational issues Variety of European historical & educational contexts

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Athens Declaration 2003 European ministers agreed to: Make arrangements to take ICE into account Identify models of good practice Build understanding by introducing … inter- religious dialogue … as major contribution to shared goals

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Reference Book Contents Theoretical Pedagogical Practical - Whole school issues - Examples of current practice

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Reference Book: Part 1 - theoretical underpinning (1) Religion as a cultural phenomenon Religious, philosophical and cultural convictions and the public sphere Manifestations of religious diversity

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Reference Book: part 1 - theoretical underpinning (2) Aims Tolerance (strong sense) - respect for others Reciprocity - grant to others the same as one would like for oneself, Civic mindedness - capacity to stand back - moderation

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Reference Book: part 1 - theoretical underpinning (3) Other Plurality and pluralism Culture, race, nationality Multiculturalism, stereotyping

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Reference Book Part 2 - Pedagogical Conditions Cooperative approach - everyone to learn together to achieve a common goal Safe space and distancing - for pupil self-expression and dialogue Empathetic communication - capacity to gain better knowledge of ourselves and others

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Reference Book Part 2 - Pedagogical approaches Phenomenological - promote knowledge and understanding Interpretative - representation, interpretation & reflexivity Dialogical - sharing “the same umbrella” Contextual - real life experience and context

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Reference Book - Part 3: whole school issues Ethos Governance and management School life and activities Curriculum

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Reference Book - Part 4 Examples of current practice (1) Varied Reflect on own practice Develop own practice further

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Questions are included to enable practitioners to reflect on their own practice. Examples: Could I use this example in my own school? If not, why not? How could I modify this example to suit my own situation? How could I get the resources to make this example work for me? ??

John Keast, Athens, 8 October Reference Book - Part 4 Examples of current practice (2) Dialogue Commonality and diversity Respect Texts Festivals Music Arts International Week Visits to places of significance Exchanges

John Keast, Athens, 8 October The Challenge of Intercultural Education today: Religious diversity and dialogue in Europe Not the last word Beginning of development of better practice “From little acorns mighty oaks grow”

John Keast, Athens, 8 October The Challenge of Intercultural Education today: Religious diversity and dialogue in Europe Implementation  policy  training  Practice Recommendations to go forward