The aim of this project was to develop a teaching model that develops understanding, acceptance and compassion amongst primary school pupils towards others, particularly refugees and migrants

Greaves, S.

Weymouth, E.

English

UDORA - University of Derby Online Research Archive

‘Our Global Family’: Using Storytelling to Develop Compassion and Acceptanceof Cultural Others in Primary School PupilsStudent Researchers: Greaves, S. & Weymouth, E.Supervisors: McMahon, D., Petronzi, R., Murden, J. Bell,S. Interviews were conducted with primary school K1 & K2 teachersinvolved (N=4-8) and the head teacher N=1. As part of a pilotempathy project, the school, which has a predominantly white,middle class student population, used stories written by DerbyCollege ESOL (Lexis) students who have only recently arrived inthe UK, many of whom are refugees and asylum seekers, who wroteabout their home country, their journey to the UK and theirlife in Derby.The data were analysed using qualitative methods and themeswere identified using the six stages of thematic analysis(Braun & Clarke, 2006).The researchers took a ground theory approach (Gasser andStrauss, 1967) whereby the “researchers discover, or constructdata systematically obtained and analysed using comparativeanalysis”(Tie et al. 2019: 1).  Discussion & ConclusionStorytelling through use of the LEXI stories (Our Global Family) isconsidered an effective tool in the development of compassion,understanding and acceptance among KS1 & KS2 pupils for other races andcultures, which, in an increasingly multicultural world are increasinglyvaluable (Riley, 2017).Thus, wider research is recommended to test the theory. Storytelling alongwith other components such as accessibility of text, and open discussionsin a safe environment with knowledgeable others are also key to thelearning experience (El-Amin & Cohen, 2018; Howe,2013).Our Global family provided opportunities for improved self-esteem andcreative expression for children, including those from differentbackgrounds, with a noticeable impact on respectful behaviour. Thisoutcome however requires teacher training and dedicated time spent onteaching diversity awareness, with integration into the curriculum (Howe,2013; Allen & Kern, 2019). Furthermore, parental support and interventionsto strengthen children's understanding of diversity awareness such asvisits to multicultural communities are needed in addition to keyresources such as the LEXI stories.    FindingsFive main themes were identified from the interviews andsurvey data. These related to (i) Methods that aidunderstanding, (ii) Influence on the children, (iii) ‘Key’in the curriculum, (iv) The importance of adding inclusionas one of the school values (v) External & internalrestrictions to understanding. Each of these themes wereexplored using extracts which best exemplify the theme andthe wider data set. Overall, the findings show that ‘OurGlobal Family’ form a valuable element of the teachingfoundation for the development of pupil’s understanding ofdiversity awareness and acceptance for others.Project Aim:  Background LiteratureMethodologyThe aim of this project was to develop a teaching model that develops understanding, acceptance and compassion amongst primary school pupils towardsothers, particularly refugees and migrants.   For countries like the UK, who have increasing numbers of asylumseekers and diversity in schools the importance of promoting anunderstanding of others to enable a more harmonious society isbecoming greater, Ozdemier et al (2018) & Cerna et al (2021).Not being understood and accepted can lead to poor academic andlife outcomes, this is more prevalent for diverse individuals,(Murray, 2012; Riley, 2017). Books that represent diverse individuals, with the help of moreknowledgeable others to open up discussions that can help toshape childrens existing ideals are seen as a great resource topromoting understanding amongst all children, (El-Amin & Cohen,2018; Howe,2013). They also provide a valuable resource forchildren to experience a world they might otherwise neverexperience in their life and provide a role model or someonerelatable to others, (Gibb, 2016; Finkelberg, 2022).   Scan the QR code to accessthe Lexis Book 2020Between 2009 and 2022 therehas been around a 10%increase of pupils in UKschools from ethnic minoritybackgrounds, (DfE, 2010 &DfE, 2022)All teachers that participatedagreed that development ofdiversity awareness isvaluable to pupilsScan the QR code to access references

‘Our Global Family’: Using Storytelling to Develop Compassion and Acceptance of Cultural Others in Primary School Pupils

https://repository.derby.ac.uk/download/091abe4b83b397a919aafcb4161d3988740a720da3c90be9bd9ecce043dc3e76/2824769/URSS22-KE05%20%26%20URSS22-KE09%20-%20Greaves%20%26%20Weymouth.pdf

‘Our Global Family’: Using Storytelling to Develop Compassion and Acceptance of Cultural Others in Primary School Pupils

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

UDORA - University of Derby Online Research Archive