National Institute for Christian Education Research
The aim of the National Institute for Christian Education Research (NICER) is derived from the foundation missions of the Church of England and Canterbury Christ Church University.
The aim of the Institute is to support and conduct research and development in order to strengthen the work of Christians in education together with the mission of church schools, colleges and universities.
In particular the Institute will enter into collaboration and partnership with other institutions and bodies that have similar goals, particularly other faith-based higher education institutions and centres.
You can download a PDF of our introductory booklet and also a PDF of the Address by the Right Reverend John Pritchard, Bishop of Oxford at the December 2011 launch of NICER (the Reverend speaks for the Church of England on Education). See "DOWNLOAD" at the top right of this page.
NICER LAUNCHES UNIQUE RESEARCH PROJECT INTO CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
A unique national research project to investigate the impact of a distinctively Christian ethos on pupils’ learning has been launched by the National Institute for Christian Education Research (NICER) at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Professor Trevor Cooling, Director of NICER at Canterbury Christ Church University, said: “This will be the only piece of national research to investigate the impact of secondary schools systematically implementing a distinctively Christian ethos in their approaches to teaching and learning. The Church brands its schools as distinctively Christian but research-wise we need to know the impact this has on students, schools and the classroom.
“The research will entail intensive work with up to five secondary schools from various locations around the UK which are sponsored by Christian organisations, including the Church of England.
“By working with staff on developing their understanding of the distinctively Christian ethos of their school and at how it might influence their approach to learning and teaching, we'll then be able to assess the impact it has on staff, students and parents."
The overall aim is to generate evidence that assesses the impact of the Christian approach to teaching and learning developed by Transforming Lives, a previous three-year research-based development project into a Christian approach to teaching different subjects. A training toolkit for teachers and student teachers will also be created.
Download a PDF of the information booklet for schools wishing to participate|, and also a Word file of the schools application form.|
NEWS FLASH
In conjunction with Calvin College in the United States and the Anglican Diocese of Sydney,NICER has been working on a new website providing help and information on a Christian ethos in the classroom. Click here for a link to the website: whatiflearning.co.uk |
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Monday 9th July - Wednesday 11th July 2012
National Centre for Christian Education, Liverpool Hope University
Annual Education Conference:
"REIMAGINING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR THE 21st CENTURY"
This multi-disciplinary conference will explore the opportunities and dilemmas facing Christian education and educationalists at a time of significant social and demographic change when the certainties of the 1944 settlement are fast disappearing.
There will be a number of interconnected but distinct themes available for contributors to submit papers and for delegates to attend, each with its own keynote speakers.
Download flyer and Call for Papers.
7–8 September 2012, Oxford Brookes University
CONFERENCE: Religion, Education and Critical Realism
Inter-disciplinary dialogue about reality, knowledge and the pursuit of truth
The inaugural conference for the International Association for Religion, Education and Critical Realism brings together academics, researchers and classroom practitioners to engage in dialogue at the interface of Theology and Religion, Education and Learning, Religious Education and Critical Realism. It is hoped to foster an exchange of ideas and approaches, leading to the development of theory, research and practice. Selected papers will also be published in an edited volume to further inspire and support the ongoing dialogue.
Keynote Speakers:
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Professor Roy Bhaskar (Critical Realism), Institute of Education, University of London
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Professor Ference Marton (Education and Learning), University of Göteborg, Sweden
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Revd Prof Alister McGrath (Theology and Religion), King’s College London
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Professor Andrew Wright (Religious Education), King’s College London
Download flyer [pdf].
Visit the website.|