Lecture 2: A Conceptual Enquiry Approach to ERB

Question 1

Constructivism as a means to knowledge acquisition

Answer 1

• Knowledge and understanding are constructed by the individual
• “Learning takes place when pupils revisit current knowledge and adjust, adapt or revise it in order to incorporate new ideas”
• Learning and understanding are enhanced by engaging in dialogue and sharing and reflecting on the insights if others
• The starting point is the conceptual knowledge of the child and how that is built upon

Question 2

What does effective learning involve?

Answer 2

• Children ‘speaking their minds’ but in an informed way
• Therefore, we must draw on their experience and provide material or narratives beyond their experience for them to consider and respond to

Question 3

Conceptual Enquiry and ERB?

Answer 3

• Interactive relationships (dialectical)
• Knowledge and experience of the children and narrative sources (oral, written or visual)
• Need for reflection and constructive criticism

Question 4

What is the Hierarchy of Concepts?

Answer 4

• Concepts that are particular to specific religions (concept type C)
• Concepts that are common to many religions and that are used in the study of religion (Concept type B)
• Concepts that are common to religious and non-religious experience (Concept type A)

Question 5

What is the communicate stage?

Answer 5

• Pupils reflect on their own experience of the concept
• What experiences and responses do we have to the concept?
• What are our experiences of celebrations? (JI-2nd Class)
• What are our experiences of symbols and how do we respond to symbols? (3rd-6th Classes)

Question 6

What is the apply stage?

Answer 6

• Pupils consider how the concept affects them and other
• What difference does the concept make to me and others in different situations and in different circumstances?
• How do celebrations make us feel? (JI-2nd Class)
• How do symbols affect us and others? (3rd-6th Classes)

Question 7

What is the enquire stage?

Answer 7

• Unpack the concept. Ask questions.
• What is the concept about?
• What do we think it means?
• What do we need for a celebration? (JI-2nd Class)
• How is the symbol of the Kirpan used by (some) Sikhs? (3rd-6th Classes)