(Un)questionable Role of Pedeutologyin Training Future Teachers of Religion

Abstract

Preliminarytraining of religion teachers includes different areas of theological, humanist, pedagogical and catechetic education. To be qualified to teach religion, theology students are required to gain knowledge in pedagogy, didactics, psychology and to develop their practical skills and social competences. Among these general issues, knowledge of the teaching profession is worth particular attention.

Analyses carried out for this paper aimed to present the unquestionable role of pedeutology in training future religion teachers. It has been observed that multi-aspect knowledge about the teacher, different concepts of teacher training and socio-cultural factors that affect a teacher’s work correspond with the guidance provided in documents of the Church. Moreover, it allows a better understanding of one’s professional role and the ethical dimension of one’s educational work. It also favours developing responsibilityfor othersin teachers, especially for students. While pursuing these objectives, it is worth paying attention to a proper understanding of the detailed issues of pedeutology and to developing the ability to think and act creativelyin different teaching situations. Preferred methods include those based on dialogue and team work. They stimulate future religion teachers and reinforce the endeavours to achieve one’s own educational maturity and style of catechesis.