Teaching and Learning in College Introductory Religion Courses

by Barbara E. Fassler Walvoord

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.

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book! I definitely recommend this to religion & religious studies teachers. I was especially interested in the discussion of the difference between faculty & student goals for learning in religion courses. Discussion of pedagogy, cases studies, & descriptions of assignments were interesting & useful. I'm definitely going to think about the "great divide" between faculty & student goals as I plan my next new prep: a small comparative religions course at a community college in Northern California.

I would like to have seen a little but more about students who identify as belonging to non-Christian traditions or who are among the nones, but "you didn't write what I wanted you to write" isn't a real critique.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walvoord reports and analyzes the results of an extensive 2004-05 survey. Topics include learning goals and effective pedagogies. One of Walvoord's main findings is that for introductory religion courses, student learning goals differ from faculty goals. Faculty want to teach critical thinking about religion. Students (surprise, surprise) are interested in exploring their own beliefs and values. Walvoord's research suggests some creative ways to bridge this "Great Divide."

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very practical book about how to improve your teaching. Although it is focused on religion courses, it works for teaching any undergraduate (humanities) course.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for giving religious educators a good 360° look at what religious educators in different settings do to be effective. Well written also.