Implications for Teaching, Assessment and Reporting

GNFL emphasises inquiry-based learning and teaching. Opportunities for student-led questioning and investigation should be provided at all stages of schooling. The curriculum should also provide opportunities for engagement with the community at all stages, because this is an essential component of theological learning. Guest speakers, visits to places of worship, and social action are important, involving the observation and recording of information outside the classroom. These teaching and learning methods should be supported by forms of assessment that enable students to demonstrate their ability to think theologically and to apply skills.

Students’ enthusiasm for theological learning should be stimulated by a wide variety of activities, such as: excursions, interpreting art and literature, reading historical accounts, listening to traditions in music, role-playing and class debates. Learning activities should also emphasise the ability to understand, explain, analyse, critique, appreciate and apply knowledge, rather than simply reproduce information. The learning of skills should be made meaningful by using them to answer questions or communicate information.