PULLMAN — In July of 2008, WSU associate professor Michael Hayes traveled with other American educators throughout Israel and the West Bank, learning of the Israel/Palestine conflict from the perspective of residents and grass roots peace organizations. Using video and photographs, he will reflect on lessons learned from that trip when he presents the fall semester WSU College of Education Research Forum on Oct. 23.
The forum, “Israelis and Palestinians at the Intersection: Narratives of Conflict and Peace,” is free and open to the public. It will begin at 3 p.m. in the Smith Center for Undergraduate Education room 202.
The purpose of the travel was to gather information for creating a media-rich curriculum for middle and high school teachers to teach the conflict and efforts to create a culture of peace in the region. Hayes is working on the project with colleagues from the University of Idaho and University of Hawaii. Travel for their 13-member team, which included WSU secondary education student Jessica Rinker, was funded with a $79,000 Fulbright-Hays Group Study Abroad grant.
The group will create written materials, a documentary video, and online media that provide a balanced and broad perspective. The curriculum will be designed for American students in sixth through 12th grades.
Hayes, who will oversee video production, is interested in globalization and international education. “I explore issues relating to peace, social justice and sustainability,” he said, describing the Israel/Palestine project as a stepping stone to other international curriculum projects.
