Projects Living in the Holy Land Reports

	Living in the Holy Land: Respecting Differences The Second Workshop How to Develop Methods of Teaching the Three Monotheistic Religions Date: 5/12/2009 Place: City Inn Hotel Hall / Ramallah Attendance: a) 17 female & male teachers from Ramallah & Bethlehem areas. b) Three specialized trainers. c) AEI - General Director & Coordinators of the project. d) Three AEI administrators & staff. Aim: To follow up the first workshop in Beit Sahour held on 9/10/2009 based on introducing the drama story telling & the moral dilemma as tools in teaching the three monotheistic religions. The Opening Session: a) Readings from the Quran & Bible. b) Reading of wishes & prayers calling for justice, peace , reconciliation in the Holy Land sent by members of the Pax Christi International & the World Council of Churches. c) A welcoming word by Mr. Fuad Giacaman & a warm thank you to funders , school administrations who allowed teachers to participate in such a workshop during a school day. A thank you to David Clement – the German volunteer - for his school drama training sessions during the first term. Dr. Walid Mustafa spoke about the AEI preparations for a Teacher's Manual on Drama use in cooperation with Dr. Toine Van Teefelen , Dr. Barakat Fawzi – Ministry of Education. The Second Session: 1- Mr. David Clement's- power point Drama Presentation. David highlighted the importance of such a technique as a syllabus for teachers through movement of        mind & body together. David spoke also on the link between drama & religions through the use of stories, moral choices & God & prophets teachings. These ways enable students to learn better about the other's religion. David gave a deep & detailed analysis of the Questionnaire which he prepared after his drama training sessions. This questionnaire aimed at knowing the teachers responses & understanding of the drama technique as used in classes. The results proved the positive welcome & responses about the new presented teaching methods. During the discussion teachers suggested the need for more training for students & teachers. TheThird Session: Dr. Barakat Fawzi presentation emphasized the importance of drama as a technique in teaching religions. This use is a very democratic method & holy books are full of drama chances. The application of this type of teaching needs patience, seriousness, a suitable environment & good preparation for students & teachers. Dr. Barakat's presentation title was: "A student – centered classroom". He questioned this method & added two important factors in teaching: namely: syllabus, school, teacher, and environment. What is the role of the teacher? The teaching and learning process is a reaction between students & teachers. A lot of questions & answers & interventions took place. Some interesting comments were recommended such as: a- No monopoly by teachers during the class period. b- Necessity for the students' participation. c- Giving students chance & time to express himself / herself freely. d- Students are assistants to teachers & not just recipients. e- Taking care of students' individual and psychological differences. The Fourth Session: Each of the participating school presented its school's experience in the implementation of the use of drama in teaching the three religions during the first semester. The main common conclusions among the schools were:              a) More drama training sessions are needed in the second semester.              b) Arabic language is preferable.              c) More use of audio visual aids such as computers & projectors. Providing more comfortable, suitable & large spaces for the training sessions. To prepare more stories & texts from the holy books to be used as educational materials. Discussing the moral dilemma or choices with students after using drama. Providing teachers with model or demonstration lessons through filming for example. The Final Session: The main speakers in this concluding session were Dr. Barakat Fawzi & Dr. Toine Van Teefelen. Dr. Barakat's comments were: a) I am pleased with the teacher's responses & reactions with the new methods. b) It is clear we need continuity & more training. c) We should be able to combine our new teaching methods with the obstacles resulting from our Palestinian curricula (time, covering the textbooks exams & assessment). d) Teachers have to be compromising & flexible when applying such important techniques. Dr. Toine's Comments: 1- It has been a good beginning & drama use is accepted by all. 2- Handouts & work sheets are needed by teachers. Moral dilemma approval is accepted as a teaching method. The next necessary step is how to live these situations & how to use these methods in teaching about the three religions. What is necessary for the follow up? 1- Combine between our curriculum & the new moral dilemma 2- Students have to participate & write so as to be more critical thinkers. 3- To concentrate on the commonalities in Judaism, Christianity & Islam when choosing educational materials in order to deepen the respect for the religious diversity. This can also happen by quoting some of our heritage texts & experiences of others too. Mr. Fuad Concluding Words: At the end of the one – day workshop Mr. Giacaman thanked all participants & organizers on all the efforts exerted in making this day a success. He summarized some ideas: Rich discussion. Good progress in achieving the aims of the project. Concentration an commonalities & respect of differences. The state philosophy & curriculum are pressures but teachers can be masters of their classes. For the follow up: 1- Always link between our new methods & the curriculum. 2- Continuity is important. 3- Training & preparing the teachers are important. 4- We will prepare a women & youth cadre to continue this educational process. 5- We will try to prepare documentaries & films on a professional basis so as to be used by teachers.