Forming Character in the Classroom
In addition to cultivating the intellectual life of its students, Baylor is committed to the moral and spiritual formation of its students, so that they are prepared to serve both God and the world. This commitment leads to a fundamental question about teaching and learning at Baylor: “How is it possible for our classrooms, laboratories, and lecture halls to become places of transformational education where our teaching cultivates character?” Each semester, the Forming Character in the Classroom workshop series offers opportunities for educators across the academic disciplines to reflect on how pedagogical practices might further this crucial work of the University’s Christian mission.
Each workshop will emphasize one or two significant character qualities — such as friendship, courage, wisdom, and justice — that might be part of a vibrant classroom that takes seriously Baylor’s commitment to foster “spiritual maturity, strength of character, and moral virtue.” The workshops seek to equip faculty to see their teaching and mentoring as crucial expressions of character formation.
Workshops will feature:
- Lunch and a presentation by a recognized educator in his/her discipline
- Opportunities to rethink course structure and syllabi with colleagues from across the disciplines
- Practical ideas for lesson building with character formation as a goal
Forming Character in the Classroom is sponsored by the Institute for Faith and Learning and the Academy for Teaching and Learning.