Developing a Faith-based Education: A Teacher's Manual

Abstract

Teaching faith-based education is a challenging and sensitive issue in Australia’s 21st century multicultural society. With an increasing number of faith and belief systems becoming more prominent in educational sectors, it is vital that pre-service and practising teachers are equipped to teach effectively faith and belief systems to school children. Multiculturalism is inherently challenging because of its various component belief and value systems, and children need to know what they believe and why they believe it. It is a sobering realisation that, potentially, each faith and belief system is only one generation away from extinction. Currently, many of the Christian textbooks used in Christian tertiary institutions are sourced from overseas, and include information that is not applicable or appropriate for an Australian setting. This textbook seeks to present an Australian perspective concerning the teaching of faith-based education. Developing a Faith-based Education: A Teacher’s Manual offers a comprehensive and balanced view to support the nurturing of spirituality and faith formation for children 0–12 years of age. Though the textbook has been written primarily for early childhood and pre-service teachers, it will be a valuable resource to practising teachers, school administrators, and academics involved in professional development within the Christian school sector. [from publisher's website]