The newly appointed Vice-Principal of Moore Theological College is set to drive forward the restructuring of courses with a view to meeting the vast training needs required by the Diocesan Mission.
"The next step is to keep the ball rolling as we develop curriculum," the Rev Dr Bill Salier told Sydneyanglicans.net today. "With external studies our hope is to make the courses a more effective tool for lay training."
Although changes to the Preliminary Theological Certificate (PTC) need to be signed off on, Dr Salier, who chairs the External Studies committee, is hopeful they will be implemented.
He says there is likely to be more levels of difficulty in the PTC with a view to help train a wider range of people.
For Moore's full-time theology students, Dr Salier says surveys show the curriculum changes this year have been largely successful.
The results show that students’ satisfaction with College life is "very high' and people's perception of the workload is vastly improved on previous years.
"Some students say that the fewer subjects done at one time has simplified their learning. People are certainly appreciating a bit more clarity about our expectations: the reading, assessment and goals in the courses."
"Overall it is a pretty positive result," he says. "But you always want to keep improving a good product."
Salier appointment "a surprise'
"I was surprised by my appointment," Dr Salier says.
He is convinced anyone one of a number people on the College faculty could have been appointed Vice Principal, but says modestly that Principal John Woodhouse announced he was looking for someone who would complement him.
No doubt Dr Salier's skill in curriculum development is a key factor.
Along with his PhD from Cambridge University on John's gospel, Dr Salier has a Graduate Certificate from Sydney University looking at reflective practice in education as well as methods for researching the effectiveness of teaching.
With Moore's rapid expansion, another area Dr Salier expects to play a role is in helping new faculty to integrate into college life.
Since 2005, the faculty has expanded by more than 10 per cent.
Next year there will be three new staff.
Greg Anderson, formerly with CMS in the Northern Territory, will head the Missions Department.
David Hohne will be lecturing in philosophy and doctrine.
Andrew Ford is to lecture in ethics.
