Education for Peace and Restorative Practices: A Provincial University of Córdoba Conference

“`html

University of Córdoba to Host Virtual Seminar on Education for Peace and Restorative Practices

The University of Córdoba is set to convene a vital virtual gathering aimed at fostering a culture of peace through education and restorative justice.

The Ministry of Art, science and Technology at the Provincial University of Córdoba, in conjunction with the open chair “Right to Peace and Coexistence in Diversity” and Redipaz, invites the public to participate in the meeting, “Education for Peace and Restorative Practices.”

This important event is scheduled for August 1, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. It will be broadcast live and accessible virtually via the YouTube channel of UPC.

The seminar will feature three distinguished experts: Marina Caireta, Alicia Cabezudo, and Luciana de la Silva. They are poised to explore key aspects of building a culture of peace, with a special focus on education for and in peace, alongside practical restorative tools.

This initiative is part of an annual series of talks organized by the “Right to Peace and Coexistence in Diversity” open chair, collaborating with Redipaz. The primary goal is to cultivate formative environments that address the crucial, cross-cutting theme of peace culture.

The University of Córdoba’s commitment to peace education reflects a broader global effort to equip individuals with the skills and understanding necessary for harmonious coexistence. Restorative practices, in particular, offer a powerful framework for addressing conflict and promoting healing within communities and educational settings.

By bringing together leading voices in the field, this virtual seminar provides a valuable possibility for learning and dialogue, contributing to the ongoing development of peace-building strategies in education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic of the University of Córdoba’s upcoming meeting?

The meeting’s main topic is “Education for Peace and Restorative Practices.”

When and where will the “Education for Peace and Restorative Practices” event take place?

The event will take place virtually on August 1, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., on the YouTube channel of UPC.

Who are the featured referents at this seminar?

The featured referents are Marina Caireta, Alicia Cabezudo, and Luciana de la Silva.

What specific issues will the referents address?

they will address issues related to the construction of a peace culture, focusing on education in and for peace, and tools associated with restorative practices.

What is the purpose of this proposal?

The proposal aims to generate formative spaces for the treatment of the transverse theme of peace culture.

How can trauma-informed education principles enhance the effectiveness of restorative practices in schools?

The Growing Importance of Peace Education

The need for education for peace is increasingly critical in a world facing complex challenges. Conventional educational models often prioritize academic achievement, sometimes overlooking the development of crucial social-emotional skills.This is where restorative practices in education come into play, offering a proactive and transformative approach to building safer, more inclusive learning environments.The recent conference hosted by the Provincial University of Córdoba highlighted these vital connections, bringing together educators, policymakers, and practitioners to explore innovative strategies.

Restorative Practices: A Core component of Peace Education

Restorative justice principles, when applied to educational settings, shift the focus from punishment to repairing harm and rebuilding relationships. Unlike punitive disciplinary measures, restorative practices aim to:

Address the needs of those harmed.

Hold those who caused harm accountable.

Involve all affected parties in the resolution process.

This approach fosters empathy, responsibility, and a sense of community – all essential elements of a peaceful school climate. Key restorative practices discussed at the Córdoba conference included:

Restorative Circles: Facilitated group discussions designed to build relationships, address conflicts, and promote understanding.

Restorative Conferences: More formal meetings involving those harmed, those who caused harm, and their support networks, aimed at developing agreements for repairing harm.

Affective Statements & Questions: Techniques used to help individuals express their feelings and understand the impact of their actions.

Conference Highlights: Key Themes & Discussions

The Provincial University of Córdoba conference centered around several key themes. A recurring topic was the implementation of trauma-informed education, recognizing that many students bring past trauma into the classroom. Social-emotional learning (SEL) was also heavily emphasized as a foundational skill for both peace education and restorative practices.

Specific discussion points included:

1. scaling Restorative Practices: Challenges and strategies for implementing restorative practices school-wide, rather than as isolated interventions.
2. Teacher Training & Professional Development: The critical need for comprehensive training for educators in restorative practices and trauma-informed care. The conference showcased accomplished models for ongoing professional development.
3. Addressing Systemic Inequities: Recognizing that disciplinary disparities often reflect broader societal biases, and exploring how restorative practices can be used to promote equity and inclusion.
4. The Role of Family & Community Engagement: The importance of involving families and community members in restorative processes to create a more supportive and holistic approach.

Benefits of Integrating Restorative Practices

The benefits of adopting restorative approaches to discipline extend far beyond simply reducing suspensions and expulsions. Research suggests that restorative practices can lead to:

Improved school climate and increased student safety.

Reduced bullying and conflict.

Enhanced student engagement and academic performance.

Stronger relationships between students,teachers,and families.

Development of crucial life skills such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving.

These benefits contribute to a more positive and productive learning environment for all.

Real-World Examples: Success Stories in Education

Several presentations at the conference highlighted successful implementations of restorative practices in schools. one notable example came from a school district in Brazil, where the implementation of the Salvador Assessment Programme (PROSA) – as reported by the World Bank – has allowed for a more data-driven approach to understanding student needs and tailoring interventions. While PROSA isn’t specifically restorative practice, it demonstrates a commitment to understanding impact and adjusting strategies, a core tenet of restorative approaches.

Another case study focused on a school in Argentina that successfully reduced its suspension rate by over 50% after implementing school-wide restorative circles. teachers reported a notable improvement in student behaviour and a more positive school culture.

Practical tips for Implementing Restorative Practices

For educators interested in incorporating restorative practices into their classrooms and schools, here are a few practical tips:

Start Small: Begin with a pilot program in one classroom or grade level.

Build Relationships: Prioritize building strong,positive relationships with students.

Focus on Harm, Not Just Rules: Shift the focus from rule-breaking to the harm caused by actions.

Provide Training: Invest in comprehensive training for all staff.

be Patient: Restorative practices require time and commitment to be effective.

seek Support: connect with other schools and organizations that are implementing restorative practices.

Resources for Further Learning

Restorative Justice Council: https://restorativejustice.org.uk/

National Education association – Restorative Justice: https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/restorative-justice

International Institute for Restorative Practices: [https://www.iirp.edu/](https://www.