Showing papers by "Robert Jackson published in 2017"

Teaching inclusive religious education impartially: an English perspective

Abstract: The article draws on experience of teaching, teacher education and qualitative research related to an impartial approach to inclusive religious education (including pupils from families who identify with or do not identify with religion or belief groups), in publicly funded schools in England. Such religious education is considered to be intrinsically worthwhile and instrumentally important in contributing to pupils’ personal and social development. The approach considered is hermeneutical, bringing reliable information into relationship with knowledge and experience of pupils and teacher through active learning, including dialogue. Qualitative research on student and early career teachers suggests that appropriate skills and attitudes supporting an impartial approach can be developed, facilitating a relationship of trust between teacher and students. A condition is the development of teachers’ knowledge and understanding of the stances of pupils in their classes. However, some student teachers or teacher...

‘Who’s Afraid of Secularisation?’ A Response to David Lewin

Abstract: This response to David Lewin states the purpose of my critique of some aspects of Liam Gearon’s work. It clarifies my position on the aims of ‘inclusive’ religious education, rejecting Gearon’s view that REDCo researchers shared a common pluralistic theology, regarding religious education as having a single political aim. It reinforces Gearon’s misrepresentation of the development of the Toledo Guiding Principles. In addressing the concern that religious education serves political ends, I acknowledge that much educational discourse has a political dimension but, in the case of ‘inclusive’ religious education, I argue that an approach based on John Rawls’ view of political liberalism can facilitate understanding of religions. I respond to Lewin’s assumption that my own view of religious language is entirely propositional and I compare the view of religious language expressed by Morimoto, quoted with approval by Lewin, with that of D. Z. Phillips, noting that its adoption implies that religious ‘ins...

Learning in Encounter: Crossroads, Connections, Collaborations—A Personal Story

Abstract: Personal encounter has been a major source of inspiration throughout my work in religious education: as a teacher, teacher trainer, and researcher. Having completed a degree in theology and philoso...

Presentation of a Council of Europe ProjectPolicy, Research and Practice for ‘Inclusive’ Religious Education – Swedish and Norwegian Translations of Signposts now available

Abstract: Presentation of a Council of Europe ProjectPolicy, Research and Practice for ‘Inclusive’ Religious Education – Swedish and Norwegian Translations of Signposts now available