Teaching and Learning > DOCUMENTS
A Study of the Discourse of 'Terrorism' in Pupil Conversations (aged 16-18) and Questionnaires in a Selection of Warwickshire Secondary Schools
Angela Quartermaine (University of Warwick)
You can download Angela's PowerPoint presentation.
This study investigated pupil views of ‘terrorism’: how they define the phenomena; what motives and actions they think it includes and excludes; and the links they make between ‘terrorism’ and ‘religion’, which then lead into discussions on stereotypes, prejudices and racism.
The DfES states that pupils should not be sheltered from knowing about ‘terrorism’, but rather be provided with ‘constructive avenues’ to explore their feelings about the topic (DfES 2008:6). However, little research has been conducted on pupil views, thus this study aimed to discover what a selection of pupils, aged 16-18 years old, thought, with the purpose of aiding the attempts made by education bodies to put together advice or guidance for teachers.
A mixed methods approach was used and I have gathered data from 7 schools: 205 pupils took part in a questionnaire and approximately 60 pupils were involved in 10 semi-structured discussion groups. This approach was necessary because of the ethical concerns with discussing a topic with children under the age of 18. Due to time and access constraints, this study focuses on schools in Warwickshire county.
I am still in the process of analysing the results, but I have so far found that the pupils generally associate ‘terrorism’ with causing harm, be it psychological or physical violence. Some were fearful of the potential for a terrorist attack when using public transport, but a greater number feared the prejudices associated with using the word. When discussing any links between ‘religion’ and ‘terrorism’, the pupils noted that they immediately thought of the Islamic faith above others, but many realised that this was problematic and were cautious in their responses. However, further analysis needs to be conducted on these issues. They generally believe that Religious Studies is an appropriate subject in which to study ‘terrorism’.
This could have implications for Higher Education, particularly if this topic was included into Religious Studies programs. At present, most universities include the topic of terrorism into Politics departments, mainly at Masters level, without much reference to the religious aspects of the phenomena. However, since there is a sense in schools (and in the media) that religion does play a role in terrorism, it is worth considering how and whether an RE department could/should aid or contribute to such studies, either in schools or in HE.
This page was originally on the website of The Subject Centre for Philosophical and Religious Studies. It was transfered here following the closure of the Subject Centre at the end of 2011.
