Being a Conversation Partner for the ATPc
This ATP Certificate (ATPc) is designed for adult learners who are self-motivated to learn and reflect by themselves. However, theology is never done in a vacuum. There’s a flow chart depicting progress through the ATPc here, but the process is simple…
As participants start the ATPc, they engage a Conversation Partner (either their priest, chaplain, or experienced lay person approved by their priest or chaplain). Participants discuss their choice of first SFC Short Course. It’s possible their priest might have a suggestion, especially if the ATPc is being done for a specific purpose (eg Children’s Church teachers might find the Christian Education Essentials Short Course useful.)
Participants and Conversation Partners discuss a goal for completion of the short course. How long might be enough? For instance, would one term be suitable? Or might more, or less time be needed? Achieving that goal is not compulsory, but it’s good to have an aim!
Conversation Partners check in with participants once or twice through each SFC Short Course.
Conversation Partners need to have watched the short course their Participant is doing. But once is enough if you have multiple participants!
At the end of each SFC Short Course, Conversation Partners meet with Participants to check on learning. How do Conversation Partners know if learning has taken place? Participants bring a conversation piece to the meeting that demonstrates this learning and becomes a prompt for discussion.
Conversation Partners will find a suggested outline for these Post-Course Conversations (PCC) here. That outline includes simple criteria to determine learning.
Remember, the sole goal of the Conversation Partner in these meetings is to determine that learning has taken place. There is no requirement for teaching during the Conversation, though it’s possible some might occur.
The Post-Course Conversation outline also has suggestions for what the Conversation Partner might do if they conclude that a little more reflection might be helpful, in order for the Participant to progress to the next SFC Short Course.
Conversation Partners will keep track of the progress of particpants, noting the completion of each course. Once four SFC Short Courses and one Anglican Experience workshop have been completed, contact the FormEdFaith office at St Francis College.
Jonathan Sargeant— jonathan.sargeant@anglicanchurchsq.org.au—07 35147442
Fiona Hammond— fhammond@anglicanchurchsq.org.au—07 35147455
Once course completion is authorised by the FormEdFaith office, we’ll send you the participant’s certificate for counter-signing and awarding.
You can use this Certificate Awarding liturgy for this purpose if you wish.
