Identifying Arabic-language materials for children that promote tolerance and critical thinking

Gail Zellman

"Building a society that supports and values the production, diffusion, and application of new knowledge and the expression of new ideas is critical for human development. This report is part of a broader effort to identify and disseminate materials whose messages encourage tolerance and support the development and use of critical thinking skills in the Arabic-speaking world. It focuses on identifying Arabic language materials targeted to children ages 4-14. A focus on children, whose ideas are still being developed, may be more effective in promoting tolerance and critical thinking than efforts directed toward adults, whose attitudes are already established or in place. The authors describe the creation of developmentally appropriate criteria used to identify and screen indigenous Arabic-language works for children that promote tolerance and critical thinking. They also describe the characteristics of the materials that were found and present several examples of works that met criteria. They also discuss barriers that prevent the development and dissemination of more such works, and suggest ways to address and overcome these barriers."--Publisher's description.