Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip after the terrorist attack on 7 October is a topic that also engages school pupils in Norway. Although there is an overflow of information in both traditional and social media, students Ida Mikkonen (15) and Håkon Hellebø Bjørnesen (15) in the 10th grade at Rothaugen School in Bergen find it challenging to form an opinion about what is happening . From left: Ida Mikkonen, Olav Dahl Korneliussen and Håkon Hellebø Bjørnsen are students at Rothaugen School in Bergen. Photo: Iuliana Alexa / news – It is difficult to know what to believe. In social media it can get a bit overwhelming. There we get lots of horrible pictures without getting a picture of the whole situation, says Håkon. – It may seem that the various media only cover one side of the matter, says Ida. Throwing aside the teaching plan The students’ desire for better information about the war in Gaza led lecturer Mads Kapstad to sit down and create a separate teaching plan about the ongoing war and the background to it. – This came very quickly, and then the original plan had to be thrown aside a bit, says Kapstad, who spent two weeks preparing the module. – The aim is to give an insight into the conflict between Israel and Palestine which can help the pupils to understand the conflict from the beginning. I have noticed that many of the students did not know what this was, says the Rothaugen teacher. Difficult to be neutral A central part of the scheme is to give room in the lessons for the students to discuss the conflict themselves and form their own opinions. – There are atrocities on both sides, and no one is completely innocent. In this way, the students should be allowed to discuss. They are at an age where they are able to reflect for themselves. – What is the most challenging thing about teaching about the war and the conflict that underlies it? – To remain neutral. It has been difficult at times. But I’m not going to convey my opinion, I’m going to convey the facts. Mads Kapstad likes to discuss the conflict with the students. Photo: Iuliana Alexa / news The students in the tenth grade express to news that they are very satisfied that they are receiving education that helps them understand what is happening in the Middle East. – It has been very good to learn about this at school now, says student Håkon Hellebø Bjørnesen. – Challenging for teachers Principal at Rothaugen School, Hanne Hovland, praises Kapstad for the initiative. – When it comes to such conflicts, it can be difficult for teachers. But it is important for the students that someone is there to answer these questions, says Hovland. – One must be careful with regard to the students’ background. There is room for your own thoughts, even in the teacher’s neutrality, but the students must get the facts. Hanne Hovland is principal at Rothaugen School. Photo: May-Helen Rolfsnes Steinar Vegsund Strømli is county leader of the Education Association in Vestland. He confirms that wars such as in both Gaza and Ukraine can be challenging for schools to handle. – In addition to the fact that there may be pupils who are directly or indirectly affected by the war, the massive media pressure in newspapers, TV and social media will mean that the pupils may be affected by situations, says Strømli. Steinar Vegsund Strømsli is head of the Education Association in Vestland and talks about this conflict. Photo: Arne Stubhaug – Long experience in dealing with crises He says it is the schools’ task to inform students about wars and conflicts that dominate the news. – The schools and teachers have long experience of handling crises with a lot of media attention. They are good at giving the conflicts a balanced and nuanced presentation adapted to the age level, says Strømli.
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– Difficult to know what to believe – news Vestland
