Re-orientation and eating the elephant

I spent the day re-organising myself for PhD study. I prepared a three-page document to my supervisors to get things rolling again; the sections were progress to date, current thinking, proposed time line and issues and concerns.

I'm feeling extremely positive and organised, even though I know too well that much work awaits!

The following quesitons are guiding further reading from this point, and form the basis for my formal proposal (due in late September):

How is ‘distance education’ understood in theological education?

• What, if anything, is distinctive about distance education in the theological education context?
• What are the major themes of the literature in theological distance education?

What is the nature of theological education, that is, what is it attempting to bring about?

• What are the distinctive elements of theological education in contrast to non-sectarian education?
• What are the overall objectives for theological education? What are the implications for theological education at a distance?

What is Christian formation?

• How is formation portrayed in theological education contexts?
• What are the potential overlaps between everyday formation and formal education?

What does adult learning theory contribute to an understanding of spiritual formation?

• What does it mean to be ‘formed’ as an adult learner? How does this differ from being ‘formed’ as a Christian?
• What are the links between transformation as an adult learner, and formation as a Christian?

After an initial analysis for the formal proposal, I am considering whether a 'mini-essay' approach considering each of the questions above in, say 3,000 words might work to help get on top of the literature review. The best way to eat an elephant, I'm told, is one piece at a time! I've asked my supervisors for their thoughts in this approach. I am also considering enrolling in a post-graduate research methods paper next year at a distance. It has been recommended to me, and I know that it will be very useful for me later in the preparation of this thesis.

[Image "Elephant Bull 1" uploaded April 2, 2005 by Tambako the Jaguar]