Religion in the Classroom

Studying Pedagogy involves commitment, discipline, among other characteristics. When future teachers choose their area of specialization, let’s say “English”, it is ignored that the foreign language is not the only subject it is going to be taught to their students. The aim of a teacher is not only transmitting the contents that their subject matter incorporates, but through language pass on culture, values, history and so on. Topics such as religion will arise during their classes, and teachers should be able to manage it. That’s why, educators role is so important. They influence and guide students, and regarding religion it is imperative to promote an environment of respect and pluralism.

During an NPR interview with Terry Gross the co-host and producer of the radio show “Fresh Air”, Bill Maher, a political satirist and TV host, stated that “Religion has done more harm than good in the world” (1). Nowadays, that is shared by many people around the world.
In the United States, teachers can “Teach about Religion” but “Teaching Religion” is prohibited. According to an article of the Anti- Defamation League, an organization about Religion in the Curriculum, “teaching religion” has to do with “religious indoctrination and practice”, while “teaching about religion” refers to “teaching students about the role of religion in the historical, cultural, literary and social development”. Teachers should be careful when approaching Religion. A good way of doing it is through debates, workshops, reflective questioning. Therefore, students can have their own opinion, but they need to know why. We should help them increase their level of awareness about other religions, and their legitimacy.

In Chile, the law states that it is mandatory to have Religion Classes but if there is a student who doesn’t share a catholic bias, they can request to be exempted from the class. However, it’s quite common for public schools to impose their own beliefs. Still, educators can balance their belief by stating their points of view in an assertive and appropriate manner; teachers stating that their beliefs are not absolute and right, and in which ways you respect and share other beliefs on religion.

As a conclusion, teachers should promote respect in their classrooms through reflective activities. Let us remember that although religion is a complex topic, through language it is possible, to pass on values, morals and respect.



1. Maher, Bill. Interview with Terry Gross. Fresh Air.NPR. 30 September 2008

2. "Religion in the Public Schools". Anti-Defamation League. 27 March 2009.

Explicitness

Explicitness in Academic Writing equals being clear and concise throughout the entire writing. For instance, the writer can be clear when citing and acknowledging his/her sources, so as to state his/her opinions, beliefs and understanding of the topic.


Another useful way of being explicit is by using connectors, such as: However, nevertheless, in addition, among others not only help the writer to send the message across, but also to organize their writing. This way the author’s ideas will be clear for the audience.

As an example, the following paragraph can guide the reader to realize if a line of argument is going to change, making it clear with the use of “However”:
The Bristol 167 was to be Britain's great new advance on American types such as the Lockheed Constellation and Douglas DC-6, which did not have the range to fly the Atlantic non-stop. It was also to be the largest aircraft ever built in Britain. However, even by the end of the war, the design had run into serious difficulties (1).

It is clearly important to be simple, organized, concise and explicit when writing an academic paper. Otherwise, it would be hard for the reader to fully understand the connection of ideas developed by the author.


(1): Gillett, Andy.”Explicitness”. Using English For Academic Purposes A Guide For Students in Higher Education. Visited: March 20th,2009.