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….
Tactical Teaching: Part 3—Different Outcomes/Different TacticsPosted on June 5, 2014 by David RhoadsI found that teaching a skill, methods, reflection/action cycles, values, etc. all involve a very different strategy from imparting information. My book outlines additional tactics, like the skill of translating Greek for instance, but by way of examples, let’s consider…
Tactical Teaching: Part 2—Four Principles of InteractionPosted on May 21, 2014 by David RhoadsCollege and graduate school teachers have an advanced degree in a specialized field, but they may not have had a course on teaching and only limited opportunities to be teaching assistants. Historically, the assumption of most graduate programs has been that they will teach you the subject matter but it will up to you to learn how to teach it on your own….
Reading Philosophy in Christian Communities: Part 2—On The Importance of Philosophy for Seminary EducationPosted on February 25, 2014 by J. Aaron SimmonsIn the first post in this series, I argued that invitational dialogue is the most promising way for Christian communities (whether ecclesial or academic) to appropriate philosophical inquiry. In this post, I will turn my attention to seminary education in particular and argue that reading philosophy should be an important aspect of such ministerial training….