Teaching Bible with Tech at #AARSBL15Posted on November 20, 2015 by Richard NewtonWhether you’re a veteran scholar or are attending the Society of Biblical Literature for the first time, you may be asking how to narrow your session options….The Academic Teaching and Biblical Studies and Global Education and Research Technology groups are joining up to bring you a program that you won’t want to miss.
“I’m Using My Bible for a Roadmap”Posted on June 8, 2015 by Charles MillerThe conventional way that introductory biblical studies courses are taught is that one proceeds through, say, the New Testament either canonically (from Matthew to Revelation), or historically (1 Thessalonians to 2 Peter), or some combination of the two. The focus is on information acquisition with the assumption that the Bible’s content is somehow meaningful, especially when placed within its various historical contexts. In other words, we who teach the Bible, along with our students who wish to learn about it, approach the Bible as insiders, taking for granted its inherent value.
Using Wikis Well: Preparation, Implementation, and Engagement (2 of 2)Posted on December 19, 2014 by Brad AndersonIn my previous post I explored how wikis can be a helpful tool in fostering interest in and engagement with the study of the Bible. You might be wondering how much work is involved in the use of wikis, and how such a tool can be integrated into the learning experience. With this in mind I want to highlight a few issues that need to be kept in mind if wikis are to be used well.One of the first things to consider is how a wiki will fit into the larger framework of your class….
Wikis: A Tool for Fostering Interest and Engagement in Biblical Studies (1 of 2)Posted on December 12, 2014 by Brad AndersonMany of us who teach the Bible, particularly in undergraduate liberal arts settings, experience something that resembles culture shock early in our careers. Coming from programs where we specialize in our subject areas alongside other highly motivated and interested friends and colleagues, first attempts at teaching biblical studies to those with little interest in or knowledge of the Bible is a daunting, sometimes disorienting, task. Like many others, I’ve had innumerable experiences of being overcome by dread with the recognition that what I’m teaching simply is not connecting….
A Safe Space for Self-ReflectionPosted on December 1, 2014 by Jane S. WebsterWho am I and where am I going? And why am I in this classroom?!It took me about a week into my first course to realize that most of my students were not as passionately interested about religion and biblical studies as I was. I learned that most of them were in the room because they needed a required general education course and my course was the only one with space that fit their schedule. I tried to make the most of it by focusing on the skills they would need to develop—critical thinking and written communication, for example. It sounded good in theory but I was missing an amazing opportunity: engaging students in self-reflection….