Teaching Journal
By Bass Mitchell
Due February 15, 2011
For the Course, “College Teaching,” by Dr. Leslie Smith
The Journal I Choose
I have chosen the journal, “Teaching Theology and Religion.” It is copyrighted by Blackwell Publishing and comes out four times a year. It is international in scope, having writers who are on the frontlines in teaching religious studies at all levels, especially college, graduate schools and seminaries. Its purpose is to foster scholarship, research and apply them in practical ways to the teaching of theology and religion. It’s edited by Patricia O’Connel Killen, Director of the Wabash Center in Indiana, whose purpose is to “provide support for teachers of religion and theology in higher education through meetings and workshops, grants, consultants, a journal and other resources…” I was unaware of this journal and organization until I began searching for a teaching journal. Both their journal and other programs look excellent.
Why I Chose It
First, there are not very many journals or publications out there devoted primarily to the teachings of religious studies. Of the ones I have found, this one seemed to me the best or at least the most relevant for me. Also, it refreshing to read something that directly relates to my area of concern. Bain, as far as I know, never really mentions anything about religious studies (makes me wonder if any religion professors were included in his research). Yes, most of what he shares is certainly applicable to my discipline, but it’s nice to read materials that directly come out and relate to it.
Second, I really like the way the journal is designed. It usually has the following three parts:
Articles. These are in depth pieces from those who teach religious studies from all over the world. They “raise a specific pedagogical issue and demonstrate its relevance to higher education religion or theology classrooms or institutions.” But they do more than this. They also go on to show in practical ways how to address, apply or use these insights in teaching. Here are some sample topics from the January 2011 issue:
In the Classroom. These are shorter articles. Whereas the Articles may focus on more theoretical issues, this section focuses on the more practical and concrete issues in the classroom setting. Here are some samples from the latest issue:
Using Small Groups, Prepared Questions, and Key Terms in an Introductory Course (page 21)
Higher Order Thinking Through the Synthesis of Theological Models (pages 23–24)
Book Reviews. This section usually reviews at least seven books published within the last couple of years relating to not only the teaching of religious studies but to all areas of adult education, technology, learning theory, etc. Here are some samples from the January 2011 edition:
Where is Knowing Going? The Horizons of the Knowing Subject – By John C. Haughey (pages 73–76)
If a particular article or issue generates a good deal of response, the journal will also include a section called, “Conversations,” in which that feedback is shared.
Third, I really do like the balance the journal brings in exploring theory and practice, as well as being open to the whole range of educational issues and disciplines.
Fourth, this is online. I can get instant access to any of the articles they have published. I have already looked through many of their back issues and identified articles that are of interest to me and that I could recommend to my fellow students. Here’s just one example as we have been discussing the use of questions (Bain mentions this quite frequently):
Fifth, the journal encourages persons to submit articles. I can see myself doing this at some point in the future.
Sixth, this is a resource that I will wish to continue getting and using.
If you would like to learn more about this journal, go to:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291467-9647
