Pre-service Teachers’ Perspectives on Teaching Scripture in Primary Religious Education (original) (raw)

RE teachers in Catholic schools in WA are required to not only assist children in developing knowledge and understanding of the Gospel but also provide faith-related experiences (CECWA, 2017b). The development of RE knowledge and understanding occurs in the classroom during the allocated teaching time for RE. To achieve these expectations, it is imperative that teachers of RE have undertaken necessary training in this learning area. The Accreditation policy from CECWA states that teachers of RE must have a comprehensive understanding of the Catholic faith to ensure they are able to execute their role effectively within the school (CECWA, 2017a). The process includes an orientation day at the Office of Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA), a school-based induction program known as 'Faith, Story and Witness', a study component which requires the completion of three approved tertiary units (or their equivalent) and an 18 hour in-service on the methodology and pedagogy required to teach RE. For students who study at The University of Notre Dame Australia, the study component and in-service can be completed during their undergraduate degree in the form of three Theology units, two RE methods units and through the teaching of RE during their final practicum. It is within the RE methods units that pre-service teachers learn about 'why we do what we do' in a Catholic school. The Congregation for Catholic Education emphasises developing "appropriate programs so that the teachers of tomorrow will be able to carry out their task with the competence and efficacy that is expected of them" (1988, para. 97). The implementation of programs such as the CECWA (2017a) policy on Accreditation not only ensures teachers remain up-to-date with innovative and current practices in this learning area but allows them to develop confidence to implement effective strategies in RE (Ryan, 2014).