Implementing Decision-Based Learning in an Introductory Religion Course

Abstract

This chapter is a narrative account of the implementation of decision-based learning (DBL) in an introductory religion course for the purpose of helping students acquire conditional knowledge of a scriptural text. Descriptions are offered of the instructional decisions for redesigning a portion of the course and developing an expert decision model. The narrative covers multiple semesters describing the use of PowerPoint as the primary tool for DBL and then software designed specifically for DBL. Examples of DBL assessments and assignments are also included. A simple student survey consisting of scaled and open-ended questions was administered to students to gather feedback. Finally, further possibilities for implementation and research are discussed.

Citation

Taeger, S. (2021), "Implementing Decision-Based Learning in an Introductory Religion Course", Wentworth, N., Plummer, K.J. and Swan, R.H. (Ed.) Decision-Based Learning: An Innovative Pedagogy that Unpacks Expert Knowledge for the Novice Learner, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 103-116. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80043-202-420211011