Winter intensives bring learners together
Australian Lutheran College (ALC) ran a series of intensive learning opportunities at LCANZ Church House in the Adelaide CBD during July, bringing together students and other participants from across the church for face-to-face learning and fellowship.
In total, 28 people, including ALC students and members of the wider LCANZ community, took part in the workshops, either for formal study or personal development.
The July intensives included Introduction to Christian Mission, led by Dr Tania Nelson; Moral Theology, led by emeritus lecturer Dr Jeff Silcock in conjunction with Pastor Matthew Bishop and Dr Merryn Ruwoldt; and Coaching and Mentoring, led by Dr Albert Haddad.
ALC Principal Dr Tim Stringer said gathering students together in person remains an important part of ALC’s distributed learning model.
‘Gathering students together several times a year enables deep, focused learning to occur away from the distractions of everyday life and helps to strengthen relationships already formed through online engagement,’ he said.
Feedback from participants highlighted the value of learning in person with others from across the church. Attendees particularly appreciated the opportunities for discussion, practical application of new concepts and the sharing of insights and experiences among students.
One participant said: ‘Interacting with the other students and learning from them, as well as the instructor, was beneficial. Everyone brought something to the table in terms of the discussions that occurred during our time together.’
Another participant said: ‘Being able to discuss the content delivered at the intensive with other students greatly enhanced my learning.’
Dr Stringer said it was especially encouraging to see a group of pastors from the Victoria–Tasmania District attend the Coaching and Mentoring workshop as part of their professional development, with the intention of sharing their learnings more widely within the district.
The intensives also gave students who had previously studied at ALC’s former North Adelaide campus the opportunity to experience the new facilities at LCANZ Church House and connect with staff based there.
This story first appeared on the Australian Lutheran College website and has been adapted for the LCA website.
