I was sat in the local Anglican church on Easter Sunday watching the proceedings with interest when a thought struck me. I probably aren't the first to think this and more than likely won't be the last, but as a teacher I found myself analysing the service for it's content and structure, paying particular interest to the rituals and religious practices. I found a few things out.
Firstly I realised why the pomp and circumstance with various features of the service were being used. I could see the history in them. For example when the Gospel reading was read the whole congregation stood and the Vicar had three attendants. One holding a very large bible and two others holding candles either side of the vicar. It was obvious that this was designed to draw special attention to the Gospel reading, which I suppose hails back to when the scriptures were read in Latin, so that the 'peasants' would know that the Holy Scriptures were being read.
Secondly I became more aware of the responses and chants used throughout the service. Then came the revelation - it suddenly dawned on me that this was an attempt at interactive learning. But looking at the faces in the congregation it struck me that this very attempt to involve the congregation had somehow turned into a ritual of it's own and appeared to be so ingrained that the congregation merely repeated at just the right times. I remembered how I memorised parts of the Methodist Service book as a child. When I read those words I imagine the thought processes behind them as I'm sure many of the congregation too. But this idea of interactive learning stuck with me.
I wondered if the ideas in education have been explored or not in church worship. I wondered how many times a congregation has been offered to help plan a service that would help them to understand a scripture or issue of christian life. Then I wondered how could this tye of service be implemented. At school I am currently exploring personalised learning skills where students are encouraged to take ownership of their education to help teachers facilitate their learning in a manner that aids learning rather than provides mental blocks. But not only for individuals but personalised learning for a whole class. There certainly is a lot to think about and I'll be exploring this idea over the coming weeks. Watch this space!!!