REDCo Religion in Education: A Contribution to Dialogue or a factor of Conflict in transforming societies of European Countries

http://www.redco.uni-hamburg.de

This project is funded by the European Commission within the framework of the FP6 Specific Programme “Integrating and Strengthening the European Research Ares”, Priority 7: “Citizens and Governance in a Knowledge-based society”, special area 7.2.1. “Values and religions in Europe”. It runs from March 2006 to February 2009. The project Co-ordinator is: Prof Dr Wolfram Weisse, University of Hamburg.

The REDCo project examines the question of how religions and values can contribute to dialogue or tension in Europe within the context of educational institutions. It entails complementary empirical studies from eight European states (Germany, Norway, Russia, Estonia, England, the Netherlands, France, Spain) especially targeting students in the 14-16 year age group, that look into educational approaches to dialogue and conflict within the different national contexts. These include studies of students’ perceptions as well as analyses of pedagogy and classroom practice in relation to the study and discussion of religion in schools. These national studies are complemented by further studies carried out in all participating countries and by comparative studies.

Since February 2007, Dr Julia Ipgrave has been a research co-ordinator for the English regional group working with project leader Professor Dr Robert Jackson (University of Warwick)

This role involves:

a) Participation in REDCo project European conferences and working groups: Melilla Feb 2007; St Petersburg Sept 2007; Amsterdam March 2008; Stavanger May 2008; Paris Sept 2008; Warwick Nov 2008; Brussels March 2009

b) Fieldwork, analysis, regional report, comparative analysis, editorial role for REDCo qualitative study of young person’s perceptions of role of religion in school:

• Analysis of 110 qualitative questionnaires completed by students from four secondary schools in different locations across England
• Carrying out and analysing data from semi-structured interviews with 40 students in the four schools
• Writing up regional report of the qualitative study
• Membership of working group engaged in comparative analysis of regional reports from participating countries
• Membership of editorial group drawing together regional, bi-national and European comparative studies into publication:  Bertram-Troost, G., Ipgrave, J., Knauth, T., Jozsa, P. (eds.) (2008) Religiosity of pupils in Europe: Results of a qualitative study (working title) Münster: Waxmann.

 

c) Advisory and co-ordinating role for REDCo English Community of Practice
Advisory and co-ordinating role with a group of teachers engaged in school-based action research projects investigating uses of the interpretive approach in developing religious education pedagogies that foster dialogue and counter conflict.