An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of An Olympism Education Programme to Resolve Conflicts Between Primary School Students in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This paper reports and discusses the findings of an experimental method study that investigated how Olympism education could strengthen competencies on conflict resolution, through delivery of socio-cultural values educating young students in ethnically divided societies in Sri-Lanka. The research examined the initiatives first by investigating the impact of education in promoting peace in Sri Lanka. Secondly, the study provided an explanation for the potential nature of Olympism in conflict resolution and promoting peace in Sri Lanka. The study has introduced an integrated model of Olympism values and conflict resolution strategies and has been tested among primary students who represent the two main Sri Lankan ethnic groups; Singhalese and Tamils. Considering the effects of the intervention, the most notable finding of this study was that conflict resolution and Olympism Education integrated curriculum intervention significantly improved experimental group students’ conflict resolution competencies regardless of their gender or ethnicity. This research concluded that strategically designed and carefully managed Olympism lessons can help students to develop and enhance competencies of conflict resolution. In order to achieve significant outcomes in young children’s ability to learn to resolve their conflicts when they were exposed to physical education lessons, it is needed to employ experiential learning opportunities through a well balanced theoretical basement and sporting activities.