The Practice of Lutheran Education (DR8013L)

Content

This unit is located at the intersection between theory and practice in Lutheran education. It considers the classroom as a place of diverse prior understandings, including spirituality and worldview, which need to be considered in the planning of both Christian Studies and worship in a Lutheran or other Christian education setting. It engages students in a close theological and pedagogical study of the Lutheran Education Australia Christian Studies Curriculum Framework (CSCF). It explores questions of best practice and assessment in teaching Christian Studies. Students will also examine Lutheran theology, theory and practice of worship at education sites, considering various complexities and issues surrounding worship in schools and early childhood centres. Students are provided with opportunities to reflect critically on their practice in the light of theological and pedagogical theory.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 8 unit in postgraduate theology, ministry and education courses

Pedagogy

This unit uses teaching strategies which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities which foster deep learning.

Indicative Bibliography

• Barnes, Philip. Debates in religious education. New York: Routledge, 2012.
• Bartsch, Malcolm. A God who speaks and acts: theology for teachers in Lutheran schools. North Adelaide, SA: Lutheran Education Australia, 2013.
• Grajczonek, Jan, and Maurice Ryan, eds. Religious education in early childhood: a reader. Hamilton, QLD: Lumino Press, 2007.
• Groome, Thomas. Educating for life: a spiritual vision for every teacher and parent. Allen, TX: Thomas More, 2008.
• Hughes, Philip. Educating for purposeful living in a post-traditional age. Nunawading, VIC: Christian Research Association, 2017.
• Hyde, Brendan. Children and spirituality: searching for meaning and connectedness. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2008.
• Lutheran Education Australia. Christian Studies Curriculum Framework. Rev. ed. North Adelaide, SA: Lutheran Education Australia, 2015.
• Lutheran Education Australia. Lifelong qualities for learners: a vision for learners and learning in Lutheran schools. Rev. ed. North Adelaide, SA: LEA, 2005.
• Murdoch, Kath. The power of inquiry, Northcote, VIC: Seastar Education, 2015.
• Rymarz, Richard, and Angelo Belmonte, eds. Religious education in Australian Catholic schools: exploring the landscape. Mulgrave, VIC: Vaughan Publishing, 2017
• Watson, Keith. Education and religion: global pressures, local responses. London: Routledge, 2012.

Assessment