School Education for Peacebuilding

Before we see the top three school education systems that promote human values and work on personality development of the children, it is important to note that Peace education is not a separate subject to be taught at elementary school level. Rather it is a holistic approach towards holistic learning experience. Determining which country has a stronger base of peace education at the primary level can be subjective and influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, educational policies, and individual perspectives on what constitutes peace education. However, some countries are known for emphasizing certain values or principles in their primary education systems more than others. My research so far helped me identify Japan, Finland and Norway having stronger base of peace education. It is not just the content or pedagogy but the whole primary and elementary school experiences that are helping the children to develop a peaceful personality. Interestingly these countries also perform well in international assessments, but outcomes may vary depending on regional disparities and educational reforms. As mentioned earlier peace education is not always a formalized or standalone subject in primary education curricula, however, the principles and values of peace, tolerance, conflict resolution, and global citizenship are often integrated into various aspects of primary education in these countries.

Japan:

Primary education in Japan emphasizes academic achievement, discipline, and respect for order and authority. The curriculum focuses on core subjects such as mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. Japanese schools also emphasize moral education and character development. Teaching in Japanese primary schools often follows a traditional, teacher-centered approach, with an emphasis on rote memorization and direct instruction. Group work and cooperative learning are less common. Primary education is divided into six years of compulsory schooling, from age 6 to 12. Japan places a strong emphasis on moral education (shūshin) in its primary education system. Moral education in Japan aims to instill values such as respect, responsibility, diligence, and cooperation among students. The curriculum includes lessons on ethics, social etiquette, and citizenship, and schools often have specific time set aside for moral education activities. In Japan, moral education (shūshin) is a key component of primary education, emphasizing values such as respect, responsibility, and cooperation. While peace education may not be explicitly labeled, The school day in Japan provides children many practical opportunities to learn humility, empathy, and collaboration. The Japanese curriculum emphasizes the importance of fostering students' moral development, ethical reasoning, and commitment to contributing positively to society.

Finland:

Finland's primary education system gained fame for its holistic approach to education, which emphasizes the development of students' social, emotional, and life skills alongside academic learning. The schools are fostering a sense of community and belonging among students. Finland's primary education system emphasizes on equity, individualized instruction, and comprehensive support for students. The curriculum is flexible and focuses on developing students' problem-solving skills, creativity, and social-emotional competencies. Finnish schools are different in pedagogical approach, being much more student centered and prioritizing play-based learning and outdoor activities. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through inquiry-based projects and encouraging critical thinking and creativity. While Finland does not have formalized moral education curriculum, its educational philosophy promotes values such as equality, inclusivity, trust, and collaboration. Finnish schools prioritize fostering students' well-being, and self-esteem. While peace education may not be a separate subject, Finnish schools often incorporate themes related to human rights, democracy, sustainability, and global citizenship into their curricula. The Finnish National Core Curriculum emphasizes the importance of promoting a culture of non-violence, respect for diversity, and cooperation among students.

Norway: Norway's primary education system places a strong emphasis on democratic values and human rights. The curriculum includes topics related to democracy, citizenship, and environmental education, aiming to empower students to become active and responsible members of society. Norwegian schools often incorporate values such as equality, solidarity, and respect for diversity into their educational practices. The schools are known for inclusion of diversity in its true sense. While peace education is not a separate subject, yet Norwegian schools address themes of human rights, and global citizenship through subjects such as social studies, ethics, and interdisciplinary projects. The Norwegian curriculum encourages students to explore different perspectives, engage in discussions about social issues without being emotional or aggressive, and it helps them to become deep thinker and take responsibility for promoting peace and justice in the larger communities during teen age.

While these countries prioritize certain values in their primary education systems, it's important to note that value-based education can take different forms and vary in intensity depending on local contexts and educational philosophies. Additionally, many countries around the world integrate peace education into their primary school curricula to varying degrees, reflecting the universal recognition of education's role in promoting ethical, social, and emotional development in young learners. It is important to note that peace education may not be a formalized subject in primary education curricula but the principles and values of peace are to be integrated into teacher preparation and then these become evident in various aspects of schooling, reflecting a broader commitment to promoting social-emotional learning, global citizenship, coexistence and respect for diversity.