GUIDELINES TO CREATE A POSITIVE CLASSROOM CLIMATE FOR RELIGION EDUCATION: AN EMPATHETIC APPROACH

Abstract

The situation in the education system in South Africa is not unique when compared to other countries in the world, but the situation has brought about changes and educators have to deal with change, especially in the classroom with multi-cultural learners with different religions. These changes in the constitution of South Africa since 1993 have had many implications for education and the new constitution emphasises the equal treatment of all people, regardless of gender, race or religion. For the teaching of Religion Education an inter-religious dialogue is of the utmost importance and teaching has to be approached empathically. This aspect of class-room climate will be discussed in particular.