Washington Theological Union is sponsoring a one-day conference on the question: Does Evolution Have a Direction? This ecumenical, interdisciplinary event will be held at the Union on Saturday, September 30 from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Award-winning author, Robert Wright, will discuss themes from his latest book, Nonzero: the Logic of Human Destiny. Theologians and scientists from the area, including John Haught of Georgetown and faculty from the Consortium schools, have been invited to respond to Wright?s claim that both organic and human evolution provide evidence of divine purpose. There is a registration fee of $25. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. For more information, see advertisement on Member Institution's Events Page.
Dr. Susan Willhauck
The support of the ATS Teaching Learning grant allowed me to study a group of teachers in the Washington Theological Consortium. The focus of the study was to learn what constitutes effective and influential teaching in theological education today. Deans of the Consortium member institutions nominated two or three teachers of their faculty whom they considered to be effective teachers and influential in society and church. I observed the nominated teachers in action in their various classes and interviewed them. In addition to the interviews and observations of the teachers, I asked some of their students to complete a one-page survey. So far, fourteen professors have participated. The project has been very helpful to me in understanding and improving teaching techniques.
Observations of the Professors
Several things stand out about these teachers. First and foremost is their love, indeed their passion, for their subject. They believe in what they are teaching. Second is their concern for students, a real desire to
pass something along, to lead and to help students grow and develop. Thirdly, they were effective because of their methods which involved storytelling, ?creative lecturing,? humor, technology and incorporation of the arts. There was an effort to use up-to-date language as well as to affirm cultural diversity among the students.
They noted that they have some influence on society through their books, by speaking at conferences and their work within their church traditions. Yet by my observations their influence on society was primarily indirect—through their students.
Disequilibrium between Students and Professors
Also of note is the fact that the teachers unanimously agreed that students differ today in significant ways and that one cannot teach in ways that were effective (or seemed to be effective) even five years ago. Because of this study I have become acutely aware of a kind of "vertigo" in theological education. The vertigo is caused by the disequilibrium of students wanting core knowledge while most teachers are operating out of an anti-foundational, liberal approach. In keeping with post-liberal understandings of society, students today want foundational knowledge, ?a solid grounding in my faith tradition.? Yet professors are committed to helping students develop critical thinking.
I plan to interview and observe more teachers from the member institutions of WTC. As I conclude the project, I will make the specific findings available to the WTC and conduct a forum discussing the conclusions in detail.
Dr. Susan Willhauck is a lecturer on Christian Formation and Discipleship at the Wesley Theological Seminary.
