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.
Watch Professor Trevor Cooling being interviewed about Christian school education at the Chelmsford Diocese Church School Leaders' conference, April 2013.|
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
28th - 30th June 2013
Liverpool Hope University Conference "Christian Insights into Teaching and Learning"
Jointly sponsored by the National Centre for Christian Education and the National Institute for Christian Education Research
A scholarly conference designed to embed our national conversation about Christian Education within the rigorous academic debate happening at international level.
A particular vision for the conference is to encourage the next generation of Christian thinkers in education who are already working at post-graduate and post-doctoral level.
Click here to download a PDF flyer|
Thursday 4th July 2013 from 6pm to 7.45pm
INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM
"Christian Understandings of Pedagogy"
Michael Berry Lecture Theatre (Room 0g46), The Old Sessions House, Canterbury Christ Church University, Longport, CT1 1QU
Guest speakers:
Professor Trevor Cairney, Master of New College, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Professor David Smith, Director of the Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, USA
Click here to download a PDF invitation|