Traumesensitiv opplæring for barn og unge som har opplevd krig og flukt. Kontekstualisering av Better Learning Program fra bruk i konfliktområder til norsk skolekontekst
Author
Forsberg, June Thorvaldsen; Schenzle, Steffi; Grødum, Marianne; Fulland, Helene; Borchgrevink, Marit Cristin; Hoel, Alexandra; Bakkejord, Rune; Schultz, Jon-HåkonAbstract
Most refugees who come to Norway find it safe here, but many face challenges related to integration, language, belonging, social competence, and mental health. Children and youth are vulnerable and need support in the integration process, such as psychosocial support at school. Professional groups working with children and youth with a refugee background also need support in their work. This report examines trauma-sensitive education in schools with a specific intervention called the Better Learning Program (BLP). BLP is a school-based psychosocial program owned by the Norwegian Refugee Council and is used in war and conflict areas. In the spring of 2024, BLP was tested in introductory classes at two schools in Tromsø with the goal of contextualizing the program from use in conflict areas to the Norwegian school context. The following issues were examined: 1) How did the teachers experience the training in BLP and the implementation of the sessions in the classroom? 2) How did the teachers feel the students received BLP? 3) What do the teachers think about the need for BLP in Norwegian schools? 4) How can linguistic challenges related to trauma-sensitive education be solved? A qualitative method was used to investigate the teachers' experiences and perceptions with BLP. This was done in interviews with five teachers and thematic analysis. The teachers found working with BLP relevant, exciting, and meaningful, and that the program could fit into their teaching role. The teachers experienced that the students liked the sessions and that it was positive for the social environment in the class. The teachers found that the teaching worked best when there was close follow-up from mother tongue teachers. Recommendations for further contextualization work include adaptations in the handbook, supplementary teaching materials in relevant languages, extended training, and systematic testing in more schools involving teachers, students, and parents as informants. Further, it is discussed how BLP can be given as a universal program to all students regardless of background and potential/possible trauma exposure.