Day Eighteen: Poster Review Part Four

The next day students present their poster projects. They take just a few minutes for each. Essentially, they read off the bullet points they made the previous class. It is just a review process. But I tell students to pay close attention to these projects; there will be questions on the upcoming test about the different aspects of Christology we have studied. Also, and I don’t tell them this yet, they will write a reflection about one of the “ropes” we have studied.

                I ask direct questions to guide their review; the clever students take notes on my questions, in particular. This is a simple review method. Maybe too simple. Like I said in the last blog, I have modified this review process. My students are much too efficient and goal oriented to spend too much time on projects like this. I am not opposed to project-based learning; not if it is done right. But, at the same time, if the notes are clear and the methodology is sound, students can learn just as well or better with lecture and similar tools. My students often reveal to me that they actually do not like projects; projects take a long time to learn few things. I tend to agree. If the curriculum was more difficult or complex, maybe I would use projects.

                But there is more to the less than just reading off the bullet points they gathered the previous class. I made handouts for each of the topics students just presented on (Incarnation, Jesus, Christ, Lord, Son of God, Formation of the Gospels, the Bible, Paschal Mystery, Hypostatic Union, Covenant). I lay them all out on a table in the classroom and I ask students to choose one of the topics that they feel they know the most about. Once they have their selection, I take them to the chapel and I instruct them to write a reflection. It turns out, this will be part of the test grade. They need to write a one page reflection, explaining the important information about the “rope” they chose, and then explain why that particular aspect of Christology would help them, personally, to grow in a relationship with God. I want something substantial. I want serious reflection. I want thoughtfulness. Usually, that is what I get.

The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas in Galway, Co. Galway Ireland. The "weakness" of Jesus in the Passion serves as a "rope" for us. As we reflect on His humanity, we may come to know Him as relatable and, Truly, one who suffers for us (photo P. Smith).

                I can’t grade them on the depth of the reflection. I can’t grade my students on how well they encounter God. There are no rubrics for measuring Faith. But I can encourage thoughtfulness. In fact, that may be the most important part of the entire course; the more open they are, the more thoughtful they are, the more likely they are to Truly grow in relationship with God.