Messages of peace and hope have always been embedded in school Remembrance Day events. This year, we are confronted with a unique challenge, as war and conflict is played out in front of our students' eyes in news clips from around the world.

Students are likely aware of the growing debates over our troops’ roles overseas and the recent nuclear weapon testing in North Korea. The Internet and satellites have made information, credible or not, rapidly and easily accessible. In addition, the reality exists that for some students, television reports may not be their first experience with war: they may have lived through conflicts themselves. Tensions around the world are mounting and students need our help to make sense of the influx of information. The question now is: How do teachers respond?

Teachers are role models in both what we teach and how we respond to questions about wars and world issues. In his article Teaching For Hope, University of British Columbia professor Walt Werner reminds us, “Hope requires a careful understanding of issues, the development of reasoned visions and a realistic sense of efficacy. It is then that the sobering images on TV screens and the problems they imply can be seen with possibility." To keep hope alive for students, we need to find ways to respond appropriately to the emotions and confusion while trying to make sense of the facts.

In response to Werner's suggestion, we can start by helping students become critical consumers of the media. We can encourage them to seek out multiple perspectives, use a variety of information sources and then apply their knowledge in debates, explore points of view in simulations and express their thoughts in editorials and position papers. Reflective writing activities in response to issues like conflicts and war help students work through their feelings and explore their visions for the future. Establishing a class or school newspaper can also provide an empowering forum for students to share these ideas.

In the long term, encouraging students to live as active global citizens and to participate in creating solutions is our best chance at sustainable student efficacy. Taking active roles in the local community is a great starting place for students, as they are more immediately able to see the results of their efforts. By participating in the Adopt a Village campaign, students can learn more about global issues and then take the lead to bring about change.

Catherine McCauley, M.Ed
Director of Teacher Development
educators@freethechildren.com