Religion in the Classroom

It is said that religion is one of the topics we should never talk about in a small talk conversation, especially with someone we do not know. Since any different religion means a different belief, this is used to turning into a very controversial issue because of the reactions that may exist while talking. However, this certainly goes beyond small talk conversations, especially when it is about teaching students how to handle this topic at schools, regarding the fact that most of the Educational Systems do not encourage to teach about religion, but always a specific one.

When students are in their first years of primary education, usually (depending on the school) the whole class is taught the same religion, few years later, the children are able to choose if they want to be taught or not. This is for the families to teach them according their own beliefs. Nevertheless, if we talk about primary students who are people being raised by their families or any people closed to them, we can tell that they express themselves by the beliefs they have been taught; their faith is used to being strong and impossible to question as well.

While the years have gone by, being part of the Religion course, has lost all interest that it had once, students do not know what to believe in therefore, it is not motivating for them to be taught something that does not represent meaningful learning at all. Tp continue with this issue, the article posted in The Washington Post by Pamela K. Taylor, named: “Don’t teach Religion, teach about Religion," tends to answer why students have distanced themselves from Religion as a discussion issue. Despite the fact that new Education policies should be created about teaching Religion, this is where the teachers’ role takes place.
It is supposed that students are educated as critical thinkers; therefore teachers should not impose contents, instead, discussions should be opened for students to express their thoughts, so that everyone can learn one from the other.

Religion in the classroom is an issue where the teacher should behave neutral. This person should inform the children about the different cultures, their history and rituals, and also, give them the tools to be able to socialize and dicuss with people who believe differently from them. Educators are learning facilitators and models of respect as well, thus, students do not behave violently and are not intolerant either, while discussing.


Bibliography:
Taylor K, Pamela. "Don't teach Religion, Teach about Religion." On Faith. Mar 2007. The Washington Post <http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/pamela_k_taylor/2007/03/dont_teach_religion_teach_abou.html>.
Kafer, K. "Hoe to Teach Religion in Public Schools." Press. Aug 2002. The Heritage Foundation.
<http://www.heritage.org/press/commentary/ed083102.cfm>.

FORMALITY AND OBJECTIVITY

When we talk about academic writing, we refer to many characteristics that make it reliable. Two of these are: Formality and Objectivity

Formality: The main idea of this is to avoid colloquial language, such as “everyday speaking expressions”, swear words, contractions, abbreviations, phrasal verbs, “etc”.
For example:
-It is better to use the word “depart” rather “go”.
INFORMAL: She went at 4 pm.
FORMAL: She departed at 4:00 pm.

-We can use the word “opportunity” than “chance”.
IMFORMAL: You will just just one more chance to fulfill the objectives.
FORMAL: You will have one more opportunity to fulfill the objectives.

Objectivity: In academic writing, this concept aims for giving the reader only what is needed for him/her to be informed, it means, only the information, not what the author thinks or believe or what him/her has experienced in relation with the topic. The author should be more professional than personal for the ideas he/she gives.
For example:
“In my point of view this experience has been a great contribution…”

Exercise: Try to turn the following sentence, which is written in informal language, into formal language.
“Most people take drug overdoses because they find that it's difficult to sort out their problems clearly. That's why you should treat your patients in a clear way”.

Language

IX