Levels of symbolising and peace education in Malaysia

Abstract

This paper presents the theoretical model for a proposed peace education programme in Malaysia. This model utilises human's symbolic ability which begins from the optimistic belief that everyone, regardless of their different faiths and ethnicities, can reach a common understanding in any issues by attaining the appropriate level of symbolising. The model is based on the theories in psychology of religion of Fowler, Kohlberg and Heinonen. Examples on how this model has been used in the religious education curriculum in Finland and Germany are given, as well as suggestions on how it can be used to formulate a peace education programme for national schools in Malaysia.