Critical Text-Study Techniques from the Jewish Tradition
What Will You Gain?
- Powerful teaching methodologies that will transform your classroom
- In-depth exposure to pivotal, relevant Biblical texts
- Access to a network of committed, creative independent school teachers who grapple with applying or teaching biblical texts in the classroom
- An overview of the Jewish approach to teaching and studying the Hebrew Bible
TCI’s Summer Institute: Overview
Biblical allusions and archetypes are found throughout works we teach in the independent school classroom. John Steinbeck, William Shakespeare, Marc Chagall, and Toni Morrison all pepper their work with Biblical references, subtle and overt, yet students struggle to understand and find relevance in these ancient texts.
TCI’s Summer Institute provides a unique forum in which teachers can delve into classic Biblical texts and learn sophisticated, unique, and relevant text-study methodologies rooted in the Jewish tradition of Biblical interpretation.
The methodologies taught at TCI’s Summer Institute have proven effective in promoting students’ active engagement with texts and with each other, transforming the classroom into a place of mutual support and intellectual inquiry.
Beginning with the Bible and continuing through multiple generations of post-Biblical literary interpretation, TCI’s experienced instructors weave together methodology, history of interpretation, and literary content. Each day, instructors team-teach with outstanding independent school teachers to illustrate the contemporary application of these techniques and material.
TCI’s Summer Institute demonstrates that time-honored methodologies can complement and enhance progressive classrooms.
Unique Methodologies
Hevruta
Hevruta is an ancient form of paired text study in which students grapple with the meanings and ideas embodied in a given text. Hevruta is an inclusive and empowering educational strategy that hones close-reading skills and promotes a classroom environment of respect, sharing, and inquiry.
Midrash
Rabbinic midrash, which uses rules and structures to “play” with biblical text, is an interpretive methodology used throughout Jewish history to promote creative thinking and discovery of personal meaning.
Bibliodrama
The opportunity to speak in the voice of a literary character can yield new insight into familiar text and engage learners in emotional and personal ways. Students quickly step into the persona of biblical characters to make their stories and dilemmas come to life.
Participants
The strategies and texts explored at the Institute can be used by any educator, but are best suited for literature and history teachers, chaplains and religion teachers, student advisors and counselors who work with student groups.
Levels of Learning
Small group sessions provide opportunities to share your individual voice and to customize learning based on your needs and experience. First-time participants will be introduced to the methodologies and returning participants will continue to develop and hone their abilities through advanced study.
Institute Faculty
TCI faculty members are engaging, exemplary educators who possess sophisticated knowledge of Jewish texts and learning strategies. They bring a wealth of teaching and curriculum development experience to the Institute.
