This week, I had the pleasure of returning to the school from which I graduated, Charlton Christian College. Here, Teaching School trainees were welcomed for a workshop on Christian pedagogy led by College Principal, Mr Mark Ash. Trainees were encouraged to develop their own understanding of such pedagogy by engaging interactively with the following questions.
Does Christian pedagogy exist?
Mark began by presenting trainees with a variety of statements regarding the distinguishment of Christian pedagogy from secular. Responding to such trainees stood in designated areas to signify agreement or disagreement. Passing the microphone around, trainees asserted a variety of perspectives. Some contended the collective unity of Christian pedagogy; others, the diversity of individual practice; and still others, the necessity of excellence.
How does theology impact pedagogy?
Mark then affirmed the significance of grounding one’s own pedagogy in theological truth. In table groups, trainees were directed to brainstorm the significance of a designated theological doctrine to their teaching practice. My table considered the impact of humanity’s sinful nature. Fellow trainees responded with assertions of having grace for mistakes and humbly acknowledging our need for God in the classroom.
How do we enact Christian pedagogy?
Upon collating these ideas, Mark transitioned to discuss the practical enactment of such conceptions through classroom expectations. Trainees were presented with a variety of beliefs and their respective manifestation as an expectation. Mark empowered trainees to cultivate their own. Such was followed with declared expectations of students serving one another, giving tasks their best effort, and acknowledging responsibility for themselves.
Altogether, Mark’s workshop challenged Teaching School trainees to develop their own comprehension of theologically-grounded teaching practice. This began with conceptual belief and incrementally transitioned to daily classroom practice. The session was highly engaging and collaborative. We thank Mark and Charlton staff for their warm welcome and fantastic presentation.
What are St Philip's Teaching School INSIGHT Sessions?
INSIGHT sessions at the St Philip's Teaching School are bespoke offerings that supplement regular lectures. Often delivered by members of the St Philip's Christian Education staff and our affiliate school community; these sessions address important topics and issues that teachers face today. INSIGHT sessions create a safe space for St Philip's Teaching School trainees to collaborate both online and in person.
