Peace and citizenship education in the classroom: Solomon Islands experience

This paper explores the approaches and strategies used by teachers in Solomon Islands to teach peace and citizenship education in the classroom. The paper is based on the findings of a study conducted in four case study secondary schools in the Solomon Islands. The data was collected through qualitative methods – including focus group interviews and one-on-one interviews, observations, document analyses and content analyses. From the research findings, it was revealed that the rote learning issue in schools (which is present because of external factors such as examinations, timing, and education goals) had become a barrier to effective teaching and learning for peace and good citizenship outcomes. This paper highlighted classroom teaching approaches and strategies used in schools and the impact these have had on the teaching of peace and good citizenship. The findings provide conceptual insights into Solomon Islands teaching approaches and strategies that are currently relatively unexplored. Through the identification of effective approaches, recommendations were made regarding the teaching and learning strategies that are relevant and appropriate for the teaching of the peace and citizenship values in the Solomon Islands