Tim Hall, Ph.D.
Religious literacy education has not traditionally received sustained pedagogical attention. This state of affairs changed in 2017 with the publication of the Religious Studies Companion Document for the C3 Framework (RSCD), published as a supplement to The College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards: Guidance for Enhancing the Rigor of K-12 Civics, Economics, Geography, and History, disseminated by the National Council for the Social Studies in 2013. The publication of the RSCD has highlighted the need for improved pedagogical practices with religious literacy education.
In this Action Research project, I am investigating the application of the RSCD 6-point framework in the classroom setting. I genuinely appreciate your interest in using this framework to teach about religion. Your participation is invaluable, and it plays a vital role in ensuring the success of this project. We can create a positive and impactful learning experience for religious literacy education (RLE).
To participate in this AR project, I ask that you choose one of three methodologies for your lesson or unit on religion. The first option is to utilize the complete 6-point framework. The second option is to focus on points 1-3 of the framework. Lastly, the third option is to concentrate on points 4-6. After you have completed one of these methodologies, you will complete a brief survey below to share your experience for my action research project. I kindly ask you to complete your lesson and the survey by April 1, 2025. If you have questions, you can contact me via email at halltc3@appstate.edu.
To proceed, please click on the methodology link below to access detailed descriptions and graphic organizers that will aid your teaching in the classroom. Additionally, to effectively implement your methodology, make sure to read the RSCD carefully and watch the explainer videos. These resources can also be utilized in the classroom alongside the graphic organizers. Finally, reviewing the Guidelines for Teaching about Religion in the Classroom is also a best practice before teaching a lesson about any religious tradition.
Option 1: Implement the complete RSCD 6-point framework.
- 6-point Graphic Organizer
- Misunderstandings about Religion – Explainer video about Points 1-3 from Harvard Divinity School
- What Does it Mean to Be Religious? Explainer video about Points 4-6 from Religion for Breakfast
Option 2: Focus specifically on points 1-3 of the RSCD 6-point framework.
- Points 1-3 Graphic Organizer
- Misunderstandings about Religion – Explainer video about Points 1-3 from Harvard Divinity School
- Explainer graphic of Points 1-3
Option 3: Concentrate on points 4-6 of the RSCD 6-point framework.
- Points 4-6 Graphic Organizer
- What Does it Mean to Be Religious? Explainer video about Points 4-6 from Religion for Breakfast
- Points 4-6 Graphic Organizer
After you’ve completed your chosen approach, I would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to fill out this brief survey. For your time in completing the survey, you will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Your insights and experiences will provide invaluable contributions to my research project. Thank you once again for your commitment and support!