For fear of being accused of indoctrination, most teachers stay away from sharing personal religious beliefs in the classroom. So how may we be true to who we are, be authentic, and still respect a plurality of views? Here are some thoughts based on my experience in public education:
1. On controversial issues, ask questions rather than make pronouncements. Yes, some of your questions will be biased according to your beliefs, but you are allowing for different opinions in response to your question at the same time.
2. Use instructional time for opening up topics for discussion and arbitrating respectful discussion. Then if a student wants your particular view on a controversial issue, you can invite students who wish to stay and keep discussing at lunch or after school. At that time, you may state your position while acknowledging that others have other deeply held positions.
3. Take the initiative to organize voluntary staff prayer, with administrative permission, before hours, a faith group at lunch, or a "What's your point of view?" group after hours where students can express their opinions and hear students of faith express theirs as well.
4. Be confident in teaching prescriptively and by example the fundamental values we all hold to: honesty, care, respect, compassion, etc.
5. Treat all students as persons of ultimate worth, and this will speak volumes about the genuineness and compelling nature of your faith.
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This is very helpful. Too often we are silent as Christians but allow others to express their beliefs.
ReplyDeleteI particularly like the universal values point. We all have so many commonalities.
On a personal level, I like to pray and listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance, when I allow myself to hear the Holy Spirit I do a much better job at sharing my beliefs respectfully.
I think the issue of Religion is a very delicate issue anywhere specially in a country as diverse as Canada.I grew up in India and saw people die in the name of religion.It has made me very sensitive towards this topic.I believe that humanity and universal moral values are above any religion.Moreover if you read Bible,Koran,Gita or Torah you will find all of these are based on the same principals.What scares me most is the personal interpretation and mofifications made to the the actual teachings.I believe in any profession we have to let go of a part of ourselves in order to fit in and teaching is no exception.I would stay away from the topic of religion as a teacher and I think I can still be true and authentic.
DeleteI think it's great to have the students raise issues and bring answers that can promote further questions to the class that will for good discussion. If the teacher views the classroom as a place to share faith they may want to join the prayer group (or have one of the Christian students start it and join them as they need a teacher). When the teacher has established relationships with the students they will feel free to share in the classroom when questions are raised.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with Rob. When it comes to religious discussions with students, I would rather ask questions and create a safe environment for them to be able to share. I am a Greek Orthodox married to a born Muslim but who is an atheist. We have been married for a long time (over 20 years) and our rule has always been we celebrate our beliefs and respect each other for who we are. We do not impose our beliefs onto each other. I think that in a classroom setting we should teach by modelling. We are safe to share because I am not going to impose my faith and neither will anyone else.
ReplyDeleteI also think it's a great idea to ask questions when it comes religious discussions rather than have to state my opinion which may make others uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteThis way, it opens the floor to discussions and the students can rather direct the conversation themselves rather than feel they have to be enclosed around my values.
I also think it's a great idea to invite students to stay after class or during lunch if they do want to know what my opinion is.