Series of interviews with
Palestinian teachers:
Educators and Conflict in Schools:
What is Argued about, What is Done
about it, and Aims for the Future
By Teresa
Mongan, for AEI-Open Windows.
Interview (2) with Ina'm Shakhtour, Teacher
of Islam
Ina'm is a teacher of Islam at a private,
Lutheran school of 260 students from
grades K-12. Having a background
in psychology and social studies,
Ina'm sees her work as that of a
teacher as well as providing
pastoral care.
With 16-20 students per class, she holds
classes with only Muslim students as
well as mixed with Christian
students. Ina'm notes that in mixed
classrooms there is more chatter,
more students, and more conflict
likely. Most of these conflicts have
to do with student gossip, the
lesson itself, students bickering
about possessions, as well as
pre-existing conflict between
students that carry into the
classroom.
Ina'm indicates that teachers need
to work on diversity, a concept that
isn't easy to change. However,
students are affected by morals and
behaviour, and by giving one another
respect one can encourage further
improvement in these areas. Her
lectures focus not only on Islam but
on social and life skills, morality,
and tolerance.
Working
with Tony, a Christianity teacher at
the same school, the two teachers
enable students from the different
religious communities to mix in the
classroom, where they have frequent
discussions on morals and principles
from each of the faiths and how
these overlap. Discussions where
disagreement is apparent also takes
place, including those involving
conservatism and mixed marriages.
During these discussions, respect
for differing opinions is
expected. Through openly discussing
faith-based issues with students,
students learn about one another in
a supportive yet candid environment.
