1. { Discussion in Religious Education: Developing dialogic for community cohesion and/or spiritual development. Jacqueline Watson

2. 1. That we must understand and accept the reality of our religious context particularly in relation to our students and teachers. 2. That we must prioritise Spiritual development as an integral part of Religious Education. 3. That we must place emphasis on a dialogical approach to pedagogy which enhances students’ spirituality. Key Insights

3. Key Insight 1) The reality of our religious context.  Europe and U.K. vs Australia  Clerical view vs school reality  No one way to pray, no single way for spiritual growth. Connections

4. Key Insight 2) Prioritise Spiritual Development  Spiritual development – essential part of the curriculum  Re-orientate Australian Catholic Schools to enhance basic human spirituality  Rolheiser (1998, 1999); McCarthy (2000); Schneiders (2002, 2003); Ranson (2002) Connections

5. Key Insight 3) Dialogic approach to enhance student spirituality  Dialogic pedagogy – active, cooperative, new understandings emerge  Teaching as a spiritual endeavour – vulnerability  Spirituality as a relational endeavour – self, others, transcendental reality Connections

6.  Brisbane Catholic Education Office strategy map  Central Pillar – Strengthen Catholic Identity  Core Strategy – Leuven Project Implications

7. Key Insight 1) Reality of our Religious Context – Leuven Project attempts to depth and understand each school’s community. Key Insight 2) Prioritise Spiritual Development – need to be more explicit. Key Insight 3) Dialogical approach- Leuven project focus is to enter into dialogue with the community. Implications