TLOs, the AQF and the Application of Standards in Theology
Background 2010: Council of Deans of Theology (CDTh) and the Australian and New Zealand Association of Theological Schools (ANZATS) began the process of developing Threshold Learning Outcomes (TLOs) for a Bachelor of Theology 75% of the EFTSL in theology participated in this project 1 minimum standards for a student to graduate with a Bachelor of Theology 2 March 2011: CDTh and ANZATS approved a set of TLOs This paper is the first stage in a CDTh subcommittee revising and updating the Theology TLOs Approach: Examine the language in the Theology TLOs seeking higher order language Compare briefly to an earlier draft of the Theology TLOs Compare to the AQF Level 7 Type Descriptors Assess the use of the Theology TLOs by Theology HEPs
The 2011 Theology Threshold Learning Outcomes * Upon completion of a Bachelor s degree in Theology, a graduate will be able to: demonstrate an ability to engage in the study of the primary texts of the Christian faith, and describe a range of historical and contemporary reflection on those texts; demonstrate an ability to engage in the detailed study, and principled interpretation, of the primary texts of the Christian faith, and critically interact with a range of historical and contemporary reflection on those texts... demonstrate knowledge of the Christian tradition in one or more of its central and varied forms;... appreciating the different traditions and contexts in which these reflections are situated; demonstrate an awareness of key themes, debates and methods of the discipline of theology and its sub-disciplines; demonstrate an understanding of theology as a coherent academic discipline, including familiarity with its concepts, history and principal sub-disciplines, acknowledging the diversity of viewpoints that characterise scholarship in the discipline as a whole and in relation to other worldviews; demonstrate a range of study skills that will support a life of continued theological learning; show evidence of the development of the creative, critical and reflective thinking and basic research skills that will support a life of continued theological learning; attend to, reproduce accurately and critically reflect upon the ideas and arguments of others; critically engage their context - personal, church and in diverse community settings - in the light of their understanding of theology... communicate theological knowledge, ideas and arguments to specialist and non-specialist audiences using appropriately selected written, oral and visual means;... and be able to communicate theological ideas, principles and knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences using a variety of means... reflect upon and communicate the implications of the Christian faith for personal and communal life to specialist and non-specialist audiences, using appropriately selected written, oral and visual means. 3... that will have particular regard for the realities of Australian experiences. 4 * Note: the July 2010 version are included for reference in italics
Knowledge AQF Bachelor Descriptors Theology 2011 TLOs Issues Graduates of a Bachelor Degree will have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning. demonstrate knowledge of the Christian tradition in one or more of its central and varied forms demonstrate an awareness of key themes, debates and methods of the discipline of theology and its sub-disciplines demonstrate a range of study skills that will support a life of continued theological learning broad and coherent body of knowledge as opposed to knowledge depth... as opposed to awareness... a basis for independent lifelong learning as opposed to a range of study skills that will support a life of continued theological learning
Skills AQF Bachelor Descriptors Theology 2011 TLOs Issues Graduates of a Bachelor Degree will have: cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas demonstrate an ability to engage in the study of the primary texts of the Christian faith, and describe a range of historical and contemporary reflection on those texts demonstrate knowledge of the Christian tradition in one or more of its central and varied forms attend to, reproduce accurately and critically reflect upon the ideas and arguments of others communicate theological knowledge, ideas and arguments to specialist and non-specialist audiences using appropriately selected written, oral and visual means and communicate the implications of the Christian faith for personal and communal life to specialist and non-specialist audiences, using appropriately selected written, oral and visual means review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge as opposed to engage [and]...describe Skills element is missing Depth is missing exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence as opposed to reproduce accurately and critically reflect upon the ideas and arguments of others
Application of Knowledge and Skills AQF Bachelor Descriptors Theology 2011 TLOs Issues Graduates of a Bachelor Degree will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills: with initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts with responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters attend to, reproduce accurately and critically reflect upon the ideas and arguments of others demonstrate a range of study skills that will support a life of continued theological learning initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making... as opposed to reflect upon the ideas and arguments of others responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice... as opposed to a range of study skills
Starting Point Dr Les Ball, at the conclusion of the Transforming Theology Project, commented: The key concept in transforming... theological education is that of the student as the centre of the educational process... we need to develop strategies to develop persons not just knowledge/skills, with a consequent change in emphasis from how I can teach to how can students learn. He continues: I am convinced that as theological educators we need to review and even transform the way we see our students and their relation to our world of sacred theology. My plea is for an integrating educative experience for our students. Their life s journey does not start or finish with their theology degree; rather, their theology degree is allowed to form a part of their continuing journey. If we can connect our theological teaching coherently and meaningfully with the actual lives of our students in all the fullness of those lives then our world of theology will be infused into their lives so it may be a formative part of their overall journey, wherever that may be leading. 6
HEP 1 HEP 2 Graduates of the Bachelor of Theology are able to demonstrate: 1. a critical awareness of issues pertaining to the study of theology as an academic discipline; 2. fundamental skills in exegesis, historical and theological methodologies; 3. an ability to apply skills gained and concepts explored in the academic study of theology to one or more practical settings, and to engage in critical reflection on experience that in turn influences the development of skills and the expression of concepts; 4. highly developed skills in two or more disciplines within the fields of study; 5. the development of skills relevant to tertiary study in the humanities more generally, including the capacity to undertake small pieces of research; to read, think, and critically interpret; to write coherently, with the ability to develop an argument drawing on a range of appropriate resources; to work cooperatively as part of a group; and to present information orally; 6. skilled use of electronic databases, journals and other scholarly literature. In the following domains, Graduates of the Bachelor of Theology will be able to: Discipline Knowledge and Understanding 1. Demonstrate functional knowledge and understanding of Theology as an academic discipline in the fields of Bible and Languages and Christian Thought 2. Discuss the functional spiritual and ethical implications of biblical and theological knowledge and understanding Inquiry and Analysis 3. Collect, analyse, evaluate and synthesize recognized biblical and theological scholarship in inquiry-based learning Problem Solving and Integration 4. Construct evidence-based perspectives on functional biblical and theological issues by using recognized source materials and relevant scholarly literature, evaluating alternate interpretations and drawing reasoned conclusions Communication 5. Present functional biblical and theological ideas, knowledge and principles to, and engage with, different audiences using a variety of formats Teamwork and Professional Practice 6. As leader and in groups, apply functional biblical and theological understanding in formal ministry contexts and the wider community Engagement With the World 7. Engage with the functional challenges of contemporary Christianity, society and the wider world Continuous Learning and Professional Development 8. Demonstrate a capacity for independent reflection and learning to sustain personal and professional development in Christian life and ministry
HEP 3 HEP 4 Course Outcomes Broad knowledge to study the primary texts of the Christian faith, and be able to describe a range of historical and contemporary reflections on those texts. Broad and coherent knowledge of the Christian tradition in one or more of its central and varied forms and how it relates to the vocation of the student. In-depth and coherent knowledge of aspects of theology and its sub-disciplines dependent on the major chosen. Critical awareness of key themes, debates and methods of the discipline of theology and its sub-disciplines. Ability to critically review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise the ideas and arguments of others. Technical and cognitive skills to articulate a broad understanding of the implications of Christian belief for living, with depth in the major chosen. Cognitive, creative and communication skills to independently analyse and present theological knowledge, ideas and arguments. Apply knowledge and skills in exercising initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making to professionally present theological perspectives or skills regarding life and/or scholarship autonomously and through team collaboration. Apply knowledge and skills in a range of study skills that will support a professional life of continued theological learning. Learning Outcomes At the completion of The Bachelor of Theology, students will be able to demonstrate: a broad understanding and expression of Christian faith, and of the academic study of Christian traditions and thought a capacity to make connections between Christian traditions and other disciplines, in the context of contemporary society an ability to reason and argue clearly, and to understand complex positions involving Christian traditions and values in modern Australian culture and society sound communication and presentation skills (both oral and written)
HEP 5 HEP 6 Graduates will have: Knowledge a broad and coherent body of knowledge with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in Theology, Biblical Studies and one other discipline or area of practice, that will form the basis for independent lifelong learning. Skills cognitive and technical skills in a theologically-related body of knowledge, so that they are able independently to: review, reflect on, and synthesize theological information and identify and provide solutions to complex problems think critically and generate and evaluate complex ideas demonstrate an understanding of theoretical theological concepts communicate theologically-related knowledge, skills and ideas clearly and coherently Applications of Knowledge and Skills the ability to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge by applying it creatively in Christian living and ministry make high level, independent judgments in a range of ministry settings initiate, plan, and implement activities and projects within a range of ministry settings. Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to: demonstrate critical insight into the sources, history and traditions of Christian faith demonstrate a critical understanding of contextual and contemporary expressions of Christian faith demonstrate a critical appreciation for the church and its mission in contemporary society demonstrate knowledge of the ecumenical dimensions of Christian faith and practice articulate a critically informed theological perspective on what it means to be responsibly human articulate and apply a critical theological understanding of ethics, especially in relation to issues of social justice and ecological sustainability demonstrate an understanding of the critical and constructive contribution of theology within a pluralistic world, including responsible tolerance, cultural competence and a sense of global citizenship demonstrate a willingness to engage critically with the challenges of Christian faith, both personally and socially demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills applicable to a variety of other contexts and supportive of life-long learning
Final thoughts 1. The 2011 Theology Threshold Learning Outcomes do not meet the 2013 AQF Level 7 descriptors; 2. The student should be the centre, or starting point, of the TLOs they are about what the student should be able to exhibit when they graduate; 3. TLOs should embed and meet the regulatory standards; 4. As Brawley et al suggest: Even if the TLOs represent... teaching practice well, it is impossible to retrofit these standards onto currently existing courses and majors. 7 Theology HEPs need to address the design of the theological curriculum from the ground up, that is, the TLOs are embedded in the curriculum through: appropriate development of knowledge and skills relevant assessments marking and grading criteria subject or unit learning outcomes, and degree aims and objectives. 5. Finally, the process is itself one of transformation, that is, of the faculties this time, not the students, into a more student centred curriculum.
: TLOs, AQF and Theology References 1. Council of Deans of Theology. 2010. TEQSA and Threshold Learning Outcomes, ANZATS, accessed 31 October 2015, http://www.anzats.edu.au/downloads/teqsa%20-%20tlos%20introduction%20july%202010.pdf 2. Council of Deans of Theology. 2011. Council of Deans Project Proposal, ANZATS, accessed 31 October 2015, http://www.anzats.edu.au/downloads/threshold%20los%20request%20may%202010.doc 3. Council of Deans of Theology. 2011. Threshold Learning Outcomes in Australian Theological Education, ANZATS, accessed 31 October 2015, http://www.anzats.edu.au/downloads/threshold%20los%20bth%20july%202011.pdf 4. Council of Deans of Theology. 2010. Second Draft of TLOs for 31 July 2010, ANZATS, accessed 20 October 2015, http://www.anzats.edu.au/downloads/threshold%20los%20july%2010.doc. 5. Australian Qualifications Framework Council. 2013. Australian Qualifications Framework, Second Edition, 48. 6. Council of Deans of Theology. 2012. What, Why and How: A Pleas for Transforming Theology, Transforming Theology Newsletter 8: 1. 7. Brawley, S., J. Clark, C. Dixon, L. Ford, E. Nielsen, S. Ross and S. Upton. 2015. History on Trial: Evaluating Learning Outcomes through Audit and Accreditation in a National Standards Environment, Teaching and Learning Inquiry: The ISSOTL Journal, 3 (2): 89 105. Contact details: Dr Peter Pocock. Course Director School of Theology Charles Sturt University 15 Blackall St, BARTON, ACT 2600 02.6272.6260 or ppocock@csu.edu.au