Peace Education in ASEAN Higher Education: A Meta-Synthesis of Practices, Outcomes, and Lessons on Education for Peace in Post-Pandemic

Abstract

This study aimed to synthesize scholarly works on peace education implementation in higher education, focusing on the practices, outcomes, and lessons in post-pandemic (2022–2025) in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. Following the standard protocol outline in the PRISMA framework, meta-synthesis was systematically performed by reviewing empirical studies based on the criteria. The synthesized outcomes revealed three themes such as rethinking instructional design and educational planning, the associated challenges in the implementation of peace education, and the perceived strategies in overcoming some challenges. These outcomes were attributed to the practices of peace education being integrated into religious literacy and cross-cultural education. However, lessons such as the involvement of religion in peace education, redesigning the curriculum, and alliance formation of different stakeholders reflected the desire for a more inclusive society and sustainable education.