Dreamers of Peace: Laboratory School Mentors Notions of Peace and Their Aspirations

Abstract

This study illustrates the concepts, reflections, and aspirations for the culture of peace of the Integrated Laboratory School mentors. Through narrative inquiry, the participants’ notions and understanding of peace were explored. Themes emerged from the narratives. The study reveals that the mentors’ concepts of peace are reflected in these themes: Peace as the Absence of Violence and Conflict, Peace as a State of Mind, and Peace as a State of Tranquility and Security. A peaceable classroom is described as a learning space that embraces diversity and a place of comfort and security. The experiences that compelled the mentors to reflect on their concept of peace are categorized into Diversity of Students and Working with Parents. Moreover, Engaging Activities in the Classroom and Teachers as Peace Bearers are the themes that reflect the teachers’ experiences that made them reflect on what a peaceable classroom is. Narratives also reveal the mentors’ aspirations for a culture of peace which are as follows: Equal opportunities for Everybody, an Integrated Peace Education Program, a Peace Lounge, and Learning Space, and the Creation of Peace Peer Mediators and Facilitators. Based on the findings, recommendations were advanced.