Equip

What is Equip?

Equip is an Australian national professional learning program for teachers of Christian Studies in Lutheran education. It supports their development and understanding of theology, biblical literacy and pedagogical approaches for the teaching of Christian Studies as outlined in LEA’s Christian Studies Curriculum Framework (CSCF).

Facilitated by Regional Office staff, Equip is equivalent to six days of professional learning and includes three components:

  • Equip 1: Who is God? Purpose and curriculum of Christian Studies (3 days)
  • Equip 2: Who are we? Pedagogy of Christian Studies (3 days)
  • Equip ePortfolio: This is submitted at the completion of Equip 1 and 2. It provides evidence of learning and critical reflections throughout Equip towards the outcomes

Who is Equip for?

Equip has been developed for current teachers of Christian Studies in a Lutheran school or early childhood service, and as they work towards their LCA Accreditation as a Christian Studies teacher (Ac). This level of accreditation is awarded after Connect and Equip have satisfactorily been completed.

How can I start Equip?

After Connect has been completed and the Connect ePortfolio submitted to LEA, teachers of Christian Studies can begin Equip. To explore options for engaging in Equip, you may:

  • Talk with your Professional Learning Leader at your school or early childhood service
  • Visit your Regional Office’s website events section (LEQ, LESNW or LEVNT) for dates, venues and to register
  • Contact your Regional Office’s Equip facilitator.

Can I receive Recognition of Equivalent Learning (REL) towards Equip?

Possibly. Recognition is given for equivalent learning where study is of a similar standard and content to that covered in Equip. REL may be given for Equip 1, or Equip 2 or both. Recognition is assessed based on units satisfactorily completed on the Bible, Christianity, and on pedagogical approaches in Christian Studies (or Religious Education). Further information is found in the guidelines. To apply for REL towards Equip, please use this form: Application form for Recognition of Equivalent Learning (REL)

Why Equip?

Strengthening Lutheran identity (Growing Deep: Vocational Practice) states ‘Christian Studies is an essential and distinctive part of the formal curriculum’. This means that Christian Studies is to be planned, taught and assessed as for other learning areas of the Australian Curriculum. The Equip program was developed to support teachers to teach Christian Studies in their Lutheran school or early childhood service.

Equip provides teachers of Christian Studies with meaningful and rigorous professional learning. It is contextualised for the learners and helps teachers provide a safe and supportive learning environment in Christian Studies. The program allows teachers to collaboratively reflect on their experiences, worldviews and beliefs, using inquiry approaches to learning that can inform their own Christian Studies units of work.

Equip is designed to support teachers of Christian Studies to:

  • Develop understandings of both theology and pedagogy.
  • Become competent and confident in using the CSCF.
  • Experience and reflect on inquiry approaches that are relevant and meaningful for their learners in their context.
  • Consider the needs of their learners, their learning and the learning environments to inform planning units of work for Christian Studies.
  • Assist teachers to identify and meet the challenges of teaching and learning.
  • Nurture and encourage teachers in their personal spiritual and theological journey.
  • Incorporate opportunities to develop sharing and collaborative networks.

The three components of Equip include attending and completing Equip 1, Equip 2 and submitting an Equip ePortfolio (see Assessment and ePortfolios in Equip 1 and Equip 2).

Enduring understanding

Christian Studies in Lutheran education engages learners in inquiry into beliefs about the nature of God while being responsive to the diversity of learners and their spirituality.

Outcomes

At the completion of Equip 1, participants will be able to:

  • Articulate an understanding of key Lutheran theological concepts related to the question ‘Who is God?’, including an analysis of scripture related to this theology.
  • Critically reflect on the nature of Christian Studies in a Lutheran school or early childhood service.
  • Discuss the implications of the nature of Christian Studies for their learners, learning and learning environment.

Enduring understanding

Christian Studies in Lutheran education engages learners in inquiry processes to develop deep understandings of what it means to be human, and to live in relationship with God, self and others.

Outcomes

At the completion of Equip 2, participants will be able to:

  • Articulate an understanding of key Lutheran theological concepts related to the question ‘Who are we?’, including an analysis of scripture related to this theology.
  • Critically reflect on the use of inquiry in their Christian Studies context.

Participants collect evidence of their learning through the Equip program in their ePortfolio. The ePortfolio shows:

  • Engagement with the Equip Outcomes.
  • Evidence of how the learning has impacted their understanding and practice in Christian Studies.
  • Critical reflections by participants on their learning in the context of their school or early childhood service.

The satisfactory completion and submission of the Equip ePortfolio is required as part of the requirements of the LCA staffing policy for Lutheran schools, for LCA Accreditation as a Christian Studies teacher (Ac) to be awarded.

Equip ePortfolio

At your final Equip workshop, your Equip facilitator will provide you with the link to submit your completed ePortfolio.

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