| Principle |
Rating |
Explanation |
Consideration of Alternative Perspectives
- Satisfactory: absence of bias towards any one point of view
- Good: students consider different points of view regarding issues, problems discussed
- Very good: based on the consideration of different views, students form opinions and take an informed position
| Very Good | The resource is designed to offer the students many different perspectives on social issues, conflict resolution, the nature of peace and causes of conflict and violence that lead to war. Race and cultural discrimination are explored, as well as what shapes escalating violence in societies. Many of these issues are controversial, thus sensitivity to these issues, especially moral and ethical aspects, are encouraged.
The resource offers a medium for students to assess their own world and social views. The Declaration of Human Rights is a key component to review and discuss in the lessons as a foundation position on what human rights are. |
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| Multiple Dimensions of Problems & Solutions Effectively addresses the environmental, economic and social dimensions of the issue(s) being explored.
- Satisfactory: resource supports the examination of these dimensions
- Good: resource explicitly examines the interplay of these dimensions
- Very Good: a systems-thinking approach is encouraged to examine these three dimensions
| Satisfactory | There are significant aspects dealing with the moral, ethical, political and social factors, and how they interrelate. There is not as much emphasis on the environment or economic factors that can also lead to conflict. |
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| Respects Complexity The complexity of the problems/issues being discussed is respected. | Good | There are many opportunities for students to assess an issue and discuss ways to problem solve for peaceful resolutions. There are relevant case studies, film clips, articles and proactive suggestions provided as a foundation to understanding and working with these situations. Through discussion, teachers can assist students in the process of consensus, negotiation and compromise. |
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| Acting on Learning Learning moves from understanding issues to working towards positive change — in personal lifestyle, in school, in the community, or for the planet
- Satisfactory: action opportunities are included as extensions
- Good: action opportunities are core components of the resource
- Very Good: action opportunities for students are well supported and intended to result in observable, positive change
| Good | This resource provides a great variety of suggestions and explanations of how students can be proactive with these issues - from writing letters to the appropriate people or government bodies, to staging peaceful and well-organized protests and educating the student body in school to the community. Throughout the exploration of these issues, it is reinforced that each person has a role to play in promoting peace in the world, in their community, in their school, and how their one voice can make a difference. |
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| Values Education Students are explicitly provided with opportunities to identify, clarify and express their own beliefs/values.
| Good | In this resource, the teacher's role is much stronger as a debriefer and facilitator - allowing students the freedom and necessary time to fully discuss and clarify their own perspectives, values and opinions. There are many opportunities for students to do this. It is critical however, for the teacher to oversee discussions, as some issues may be very controversial. Respect and sensitivity for other people's beliefs must be modeled and promoted. |
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| Empathy & Respect for Humans Empathy and respect are fostered for diverse groups of humans (including different genders, ethnic groups, sexual preferences, etc.). | Very Good | Many different cultures and minority groups are presented in a respectful and thoughtful manner - encouraging students to understand and empathize with their struggles past and present in today's world. There are wide-ranging perspectives and many potentially controversial social ideas and beliefs which some students may feel uncomfortable with. These situations provide a important opportunity for teachers to help debrief the issues and allow students a safe environment to assess their own perspectives and become sensitive to these issues. |
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| Personal Affinity with Earth Encourages a personal affinity with -the natural world.
- Satisfactory: connection is made to the natural world
- Good: fosters appreciation/concern for the natural world
- Very Good: fosters stewardship though practical and respectful experiences out-of-doors
| Poor/Not considered | This resource has a focus on human rights, war and peace, and their political, ethical, moral and social aspects. There really isn't very much attention given to non-human species nor the environment per se. |
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| Locally-Focused Learning Includes learning experiences that take advantage of issues/elements within the local community.
- Satisfactory: learning is made relevant to the lives of the learners
- Good: learning is made relevant and has a local focus
- Very Good: learning is made relevant, local and takes place ‘outside’ , in the community
| Very Good | The topics presented are relevant to students, because they apply to everyone in varying degrees, and certainly exist within our own country and our communities. Whether it is dealing with the school bully to experiencing racial, sexual, cultural or ethnic slurs, many of the issues that cause social conflict are well known by students - directly or indirectly. |
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| Past, Present & Future Promotes an understanding of the past, a sense of the present, and a positive vision for the future. | Very Good | Most, if not all, Canadian students are well-aware of Canada's role and reputation as promoting peace, and providing peace-makers and support to war-torn countries. When exploring these topics, students become more aware of our past, our role in the present and future, and how they can act to support peace.
The resource is very proactive and teaches students to also be proactive in raising awareness and promoting peace. |