Peace education curriculum objectives for Malaysian higher tertiary education: A fuzzy delphi approach

Abstract

This paper was to analyse the voice of stakeholders on key elements for peace education curriculum objectives for Malaysian higher education system as a contribution to the progressive effort on fostering interactions among multiracial community. The larger focus of the study is to develop a peace education curriculum model based on an intercultural context that can be applied at the tertiary level. The model was developed based on Tyler’s Model (Tyler, 1949). The model proposed four domains which were the objectives of the curriculum, curriculum content, and implementation and evaluation. However, this paper only focuses on elements of the curriculum objectives which is also the instrumental domain for curriculum development. Fuzzy Delphi technique and Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) were employed. The findings of model consisted of 19 Objective curriculum elements. All proposed objective elements generated through literature review were accepted by the stakeholders and the four highest agreeable elements were “To create in the learner the knowledge of the concept of peace and conflict”, “To nurture respect for and appreciation of differences”, “To enable students to acquire a sense of belonging towards a larger society, and to empathize and relate with individuals from other groups within that society”, and “To create in the learner, the knowledge of national identity”. The outcome has reflected on the three important dimensions of knowledge and value. The skill dimension was ranked lower, as response to stakeholder views that the importance of knowledge and value (concept of peace, respect, sense of belonging and national identity) should be first inculcated and followed with other skills. The outcome of the study would implicate in the systematic structuring of peace building among the multi-cultural society through peace education.