myapproach3

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION STRATEGIES EMPLOYED WITH THE YEAR 11 STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR TO COUNTERACT THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TRENDY NOTIONS IN THE ABOVE COLUMN ONE AND TO SUPPORT THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION GUIDELINES

At the end of Term 3, I asked students to reflect on the term. This group was NOT the control group of Term 2. Unfortunately, I have not retained THE CONTROL GROUP's comments. However, I have employed the same strategies with this class, having covered the same unit. (The results of my term 2 class in the survey speak for themselves)

To the question, " What do you think I have wanted to teach you this term" some students wrote: >

> * ‘A greater belief in God and his works. The videos were the best

> things. They restored all faith that God was real to me.

> * ‘ Mr ____________ has hoped and intended to teach us about creation

> and to inform us about the reality of miracles that occur, to show us

> things that have happened and how to change to make us better people’

> * ‘To help us understand theories and beliefs, to help us find out

> what we know and think, to be our friend’

> * ‘I think you have hoped to make us have a better understanding

> of God and help us believe that there is a god and how he works and

> also the truths and the lies about the church. I think you taught us

well because I have a better belief of god now. Thanks!

> * ‘You have hoped to make us believe that there is a god and you

> have shown us that we believe in God. Like qualities, you have helped

> us to distinguish what freedom is and that there can never be a

> freedom that doesn’t involve consequences or giving up something

> whether it be time or sin.

> >

When asked about what they would like to keep in the course, they said:

> * Class discussion and video note taking because I found them

> really interesting and made me believe more about God

> * You can keep it all in

> * The study of the book was good. We got to teach the class

> * Apart from the part where we tutor the class, I think everything

> else was fine though.

> * I think that this course is great, creation and the videos are

> all important and good

> * I found all the information entertaining and informative and

> learnt a lot of new information that I didn’t previously know. Nothing

> needs to be excluded.

As is evident in the above, the success of the course came from the use of the following strategies.

Sharing with students, at the start of the term, my relatively recent home video of Lourdes and Rome and the beauty of Sicily (creation) and the impact it had on me.
Simulation Game which highlights the fact that we can only relate to Jesus if we listen, share, speak with him etc.
A mini-unit of work on true freedom which challenges the subjective understanding
Visual aids and documentaries which show approved miracles - scientifically proven - which also challenge the revered MAINTREAM perception of science.
A critical look at the theory of Evolution, its history, Darwin's own words on the matter, the implications of the use of the theory on Faith and certain acts which have occurred in the world as a result of its promulgation (such as a justification of the slave trade).
A critical look at the bias of the media in its many forms and an expose of its impact on youth.
An overhead strategy which led the students to the conclusion that they are more Christian than they think they are and that Christian values are truly human values, already experienced by them.
A critical look at the Rock Music industry et. al.
Inviting Religious guest speakers who brought 'stereotypically in-approachable' topics alive - Marian devotion, prayer and sainthood, sacramentals.
Tackling the concept of suffering with students, using Biblical, personal and historic examples.
Using a history lesson to illustrate that at every age, people have been formed by what was dominant in their culture. It is no different today.
Highlighting the reliability of Scripture, using theological studies to help me, as well as the oral tradition in my parents' Sicilian background.
Highlighting the reality of evil and sin and how we have slowly become desensitised to their existence - using video material (suitable for their age) and examples from the media.

The above I have done, even before beginning to look at the major content of the course. I call these strategies, collectively; "Breaking down the barriers", because any other approach has led to a negative attitude towards my classes.