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Abstracts for Session 3B
"Christian Practice to Pedagogy: Breaking Bread in an Introductory Nutrition Course,” Julie Walton & Matthew Walters (Calvin College)
Abstract
An experimental pedagogical approach to a faith-based curriculum in an undergraduate introductory Nutrition course addressed ways in which the ancient Christian practice of shared meals framed the course helping create a new recipe for teaching and learning. The intent was to create a classroom atmosphere of hospitality, sharing, and service. 1 The acronym MEALS (Mindful, Expectant, Accepting, Loving, Shared) was used to remind us of our dependence on God and each other in our common pursuit of knowledge. In addition to typical pedagogical tools such as lecture, diet analysis, case study, small/large group discussion, reflective reading, a cooking project, responsive writing, role play, and debate, the course required intentional enactment: the instructor and students (n=63) shared meals in small groups for six weeks throughout the semester. It was hypothesized that: 1) the intentional and intense focus on the metaphoric and real aspects of shared meals would result in significantly higher student engagement scores than those recorded in the latest NSSE report for Calvin College, and that the student’s mean individual engagement scores would trend higher from pre-post course; 2) mean student exams scores would improve compared to past years as a result of classroom work on fellowship, encouragement, and engaged reading ; and 3) standard college Course Evaluation faith integration measures and comments would demonstrate a growing understanding and appreciation of the countless ways food, in the ways it is produced, consumed, and shared links all people to the Creator and His creation. Data will be analyzed during the spring and summer of 2009.
1. The majority of students in the fall sections of HE 254-Nutrition are sophomore pre-nursing students. Because students submit Nursing Program applications and references in early January of the sophomore year, and because entry into the program is competitively based almost entirely on grade point average, students find themselves in an awkward situation as the fall semester commences; their classmates are also their competition, both perceived and actual. A major goal of the MEALS PROJECT is to intentionally address the alienation, fear and palpable anxiety these students experience in very real ways by creating a classroom community and ethos shaped by fellowship, communion, confession, reconciliation, encouragement and love, that the classroom might become a sanctuary for devoted learning.
“Growing Food, Growing Disciples: Community Gardening as Christian Formation,” Debra Murphy (WV Wesleyan College)
Abstract
Drawing on the experience of being part of Covenant Community Garden in suburban Raleigh, North Carolina, I will explore the idea of a community garden as a locus for Christian teaching and learning. Gardens, in turns out, can be fertile soil in which to grow not only rutabagas but relationships. Seeds, sun, and soil are not merely metaphors for describing growth in Christ; they are the material realities of shared work and witness—of bodies toiling together, of the mysteries of creation that link us to the land we inhabit, of life-giving abundance that summons forth praise and gratitude.
For further information contact:
Seminars @ Calvin
Calvin College
1855 Knollcrest Circle SE
Grand Rapids MI 49546-4402
616.526.8558
fax 616.526.6682
seminars@calvin.edu
