Evaluating the Link between Conflict and Education

Abstract

This paper examines two areas of important evaluation: the impact of education on peace and the impact of education on conflict, and argues that they are not necessarily the same type of evaluation. The paper first outlines the possible ways in which education contributes to greater conflict rather than to peace. It next explores issues in impact assessment. Then it details evaluation possibilities in three domains: international comparisons and linkages; long-term individual and group evaluation or tracer studies; and short-term or immediate evaluations. It finally argues for a focus on structures and processes within schools, looking at democratic versus authoritarian schooling, the impact of violent schools, how schools teach about conflict and the need to promote citizen research and evaluation.