RE Teachers' Religious Literacy

The author conducted an empirical study on RE teachers' religious literacy, more specifically, on how they interpret a religious narrative. The transactional analysis of the RE teachers' interpretations of The Prodigal Son brought forth four categories or typologies: the immanent approach, the ethical, the Christian, and the dialogical approach. The typologies reflect that the RE teachers' interpretations are determined by different factors, more precisely, by the decisions made in the actual text-reader transactions. Kjørven therefore argues that it is important for RE teachers and RE teacher students to develop an awareness of and knowledge about the complexity of what is involved in meaning-making processes. A literacy of this kind, he concludes, will promote critical skills and thinking in school and in education.

Ole Kolbjørn Kjørven works as an associate professor in religious education at Hedmark University of Applied Sciences in Norway. His research interests include teacher research and intercultural education. In 2014 Kjørven received his Ph.D for a thesis on RE teachers' religious literacy.