Teaching ‘prevent’ to A-level students within a sixth form is important as it provides them with the knowledge and skills to understand and counter extremism. It helps them to become active citizens and equips them with the ability to identify and support those who may be vulnerable to radicalisation. It also encourages students to be aware of and challenge extremist views in the wider community.

1. You can use discussion-based activities to engage students in conversations about extremism and its consequences. For example, you could ask students to discuss scenarios where one group of people are trying to marginalise another group and brainstorm ways to prevent this. This type of activity can also be used to explore the ethics of extremist behaviour and help students develop their own opinions on the issue. Research by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue has found that engaging students in meaningful conversations about extremism can help them become more critical thinkers and develop more nuanced perspectives on the issue (2017).

2. You can use media sources and visual aids to help students better understand the issue. For example, you can encourage students to watch documentaries and news reports about extremism and its effects. You can also use images and videos to illustrate extremist behavior and the consequences of it. Research by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue found that using visual aids can help students understand the complexity of the issue and gain a deeper understanding of it (2017).

3. You can use role-play activities to help students explore different perspectives and understand the motivations of extremists. For example, you could ask students to assume the role of an extremist and explain their views and beliefs. This type of activity can also be used to encourage students to think critically about extremist beliefs and develop their own opinions on them. Research by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue has found that role-play activities can help students empathize with each other and develop more tolerant attitudes towards different beliefs (2017).

4. You can use case studies to help students understand the impact of extremism in real life. For example, you could ask students to read case studies of individuals who have been affected by extremism, or examine the history of extremism in a certain region. This type of activity can help students gain a deeper understanding of the issue and develop their own opinions on it. Research by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue has found that case studies can help students gain a more nuanced understanding of extremism and its consequences (2017).

5. You can use group projects to help students explore solutions to preventing extremism. For example, you could ask students to research and develop solutions to a current extremist problem. This type of activity can also be used to encourage students to think critically about the issue and develop their own solutions. Research by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue has found that group projects can help students learn to work together to develop creative solutions to complex problems (2017).

References

Institute for Strategic Dialogue. (2017). Preventing Extremism: A Guide for Teachers. Retrieved from https://www.strategicdialogue.org/publications/preventing-extremism-a-guide-for-teachers/