Teaching and Learning in College Introductory Religion Courses

From public to private, non–sectarian to faith–based institutions, this book describes the best ways to teach introductory courses in theology and religion. The author′s research data from 533 introductory courses yields concrete, useful information about student goals, student learning, and effective pedagogical methods. Offers practical, realistic, research–based guidance for faculty and graduate students, incorporating the practices of highly–effective teachers Looks at key topics, such as how to establish and communicate with students about learning goals, what kinds of student development to expect, how to construct effective assignments, how to manage the paper load, and how to ensure that students are prepared for class Includes case studies of theology and religious studies courses at various institutions both public and private, including large and small classes, in subjects as diverse as World Religions, Introduction to Religion, Bible, and Theology Examines recent case studies of theology and religious studies courses at various institutions, including a private non–sectarian university, a public research university, a Catholic masters–level university, and a Protestant baccalaureate college.

Acknowledgements.

Introduction.

1. Faculty and Student Goals for Learning: The Great Divide.

2. Were the Goals Met? Students Academic and Spiritual Development.

3. Pedagogies: What Influenced Student Learning?.

4. Case Studies: Large Classes.

5. Case Studies: Small Classes in World Religions, Introduction to Religion.

6. Case Studies: Small Classes in Theology, Bible, Christian Formation.

Appendix A: Faculty Demographics.

Appendix B: Student Demographics.

Appendix C: IDEA Surveys.

Appendix D: Discipline–Specific Surveys Administered to Highly Effective Classes.

Appendix E: Choosing Highly–Effective Faculty.

Appendix F: Data Tally for Highly–Effective Classes.

Appendix G: Prompts for Student In–Class Reflections.

Appendix H: Suggestions for Leading Faculty Workshops.

References.

Index

Barbara Walvoord is Professor Emerita at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana. She founded and directed teaching and learning centers at Notre Dame and at three other institutions, including public and private. She has consulted and led workshops on teaching and learning at more than 300 institutions of higher education and at dozens of national conferences. Her publications include Academic Departments: How They Flourish, How They Change (2001), Assessment Clear and Simple: A Guide for Institutions, Departments, and General Education (2004), Effective Grading: A Tool for Learning and Assessment (1998), and Helping Students Write Well: A Guide for Teachers in All Disciplines (1982, revised edition 1986).

Instructive, inspiring, practical. This is scholarship of teaching at its best careful analyses of students and teachers goals and evaluations along with detailed case studies of effective teaching. Every teacher can learn from this book how to become a better teacher.
Raymond Brady Williams, Wabash College