Corline Melisse
Reading a Biblical text in the classroom using cognitive semantics
In my PhD research, I examined whether and how a narrative dialogue with a biblical text is possible in the classroom and whether cognitive semantics (Cognitive Grammar in relation to exegesis) is useful in this regard. Cognitive semantics can help students to obtain a better understanding of a text and may may result in them being more likely to engage in a narrative dialogue with the text.
This study used cognitive semantics to initiate a narrative dialogue in secondary school classrooms. It focused on examining empirical relationships between exercises, such as ‘exegetical reading’, ‘mystery’ and ‘concepts to work with’ and students’ learning—their acquisition and application of the religious concept of ‘image of God’ outlined in Gen. 1:1–2:3. Also, by means of the exercise ‘essay’, we explored the question of whether students enter into a narrative dialogue regarding this concept.
Five lessons in seven classes were analysed in a qualitative cross-case analysis. The study found that in their ‘essay’ exercises, most students entered into a dialogue with the text. A quantitative correspondence analysis yielded a graphical display distinguishing students who perform higher-order thinking skills from those who perform lower-order thinking skills. The teacher was needed in helping students to formulate and categorize, ask questions, and answer them.
Why this topic matters to me
Since students face many issues in their lives, I think it is important for them to be able to reflect on their life questions. This is possible by engaging in a narrative dialogue with a Biblical text. As a teacher of religion at a secundary school (besides teaching Biblical Hebrew at Tilburg University), I find it important to prepare my students for their adult lives as members of society. Thinking about ethical questions and of questions of life is important in this respect to develop one's own point of view.
Why I believe it is important to society
Students are the citizens of the society of the future and they need to be well prepared for their citizenship and religious education, in particular reflecting on life questions, is key in this process.
Impact of the Ladies of Bethany Chair on my life and career
It allows me time to present the results of my research in two scientific articles. Writing these articles is very instructive for myself as a young researcher. These articles enable me to present the results of my research to a wider audience of scientists, teachers and youth workers within youth ministry.
The difference I hope my work will make in the world
A world where there is more space for young people to reflect on the issues of society and of their personal lifes and an appreciation of the Bible as a source of wisdom.