Chapter 1: Pathways to Peace: Imag(in)ing the Voices of Chinese and American Middle School Students as an Example of Reparative Pedagogy

This chapter explores the aims of and preliminary findings from an international teacher and student exchange and research initiative called, “Pathways to Peace: Imag(in)ing the Voices of Chinese and American Middle School Students.” The initiative, begun in 2005, was designed to support three interlinked activities: facilitate short-term exchanges of Chinese and American middle school teachers; engage Chinese and American middle school students and their teachers in an interactive activity to enhance global understanding and collaborative learning for peace; and create virtual and real “sharing our voices” exhibitions of Chinese and American middle school students. The project begins with the assumption that a vital component of peace education is direct learning and mutual exchange across cultures.