Who we are
The Association for Reflective Practice in Theological Education (ARPTE) is an ecumenical organisation of those involved in reflective practice across all disciplines in theological education. Its membership is comprised of reflective practitioners who represent several disciplines within the bounds of theological education and ministry development. Formerly known as ANZATFE, the change of name recognises that our area of interest and expertise has broadened to promote reflective practices across all levels of theological education. We seek to encourage and resource reflective formation through support for field education co-ordinators, supervisors, and Christian ministry practitioners of all kinds. We also offer structural advice for field education programs and facilitate their accreditation, given we are recognised as a Peak Body by the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Theological Heads of College.
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We are presently made up of 8 member theological education institutions across Australia and New Zealand.
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Values
Some basic principles of adult learning that resonate with theories of experiential learning and with STFE are:
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Prior learning is recognised and respected.
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Learning is enhanced when there are ‘critical similarities between specific learning and specific performance contexts’.
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Differences in learning style are respected and allowed for.
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Experiential learning can lead to a transformation of previously held values and beliefs (operational theology).
(Drawn from Colin Hunter Supervised Theological Field Education: A Resource Manual for Supervision. Melbourne: Evangelical Theological Association, February 2004)
Some key educational principles which resonate with the collaborative emphasis of STFE:
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Learning is social. It is a dynamic interactive between the collective and the individual.
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Students learn through a process of interaction with others.
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Peers, other adults or experts are important for learning.
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Cooperative and peer group activities are important for learning.
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Students will learn more if they can discover and talk to other students.
(Drawn from Cooper and Briggs, “Teaching and Learning in Human Services Fieldwork,” p.17.)
The purpose of ARPTE includes:
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To present papers
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To encourage research
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To share resources
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To establish and certify standards of Field Education programs according to the requirements of each member college (supervisory standards, program content etc.)
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To review Field Education programs on request.
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To make recommendations to the various accrediting bodies on request.
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To stimulate mutual encouragement and problem solving.”
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Through our activities we encourage progress towards these goals in Field Education. Personal development and self-awareneness.
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Ministry competence and the development of skills for ministry.
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Theological understanding through theological reflection.
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Christian commitment and denominational identity.
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Reflection on the personal, and communal spirituality.
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Opportunities for practical ministry experience.
ARPTE supports field education workers and faculty, and facilitates research and discussion groups in Field Education.
ARPTE also facilitates offers accreditation and review processes, criteria and standards for Field Education programs.