Four researchers at the University of Aberdeen investigated the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown on teachers’ practice in Scotland. We analysed information collected from primary teachers, a deputy primary school head teacher, secondary teachers of Biology, English, Mathematics, a secondary school head teacher and two regional education officers on how teachers reacted, adapted and responded to the first nationwide lockdown in response to COVID-19 (n=10). Home (first space) and school (second space) are often viewed as separate contexts with clearly defined and impermeable boundaries, although children participate in both spaces (Pahl & Kelly, 2005). We sought to understand the ‘third space’ (Bhabha, 1990) between school and home that was created through online and blended teaching and learning. Working in such a space has implications and consequences for the teachers who have to institute new routines using new technologies and think about teaching differently.
This chapter presents an overview of aspects that may influence women and men religious on their religious vocational decision during their childhood with their family and parish, their attendance of primary and secondary school, their participation in parish life, and their college years. The influential aspects addressed are: attending Mass regularly and devotional practices, having the opportunity to discuss and receive encouragement from others to discern a religious vocation, the witness of men and women religious, and being engaged in youth and voluntary ministry programs. The chapter concludes that while not every individual religious has opportunities to experience these activities in various environments before he or she decides to enter religious life, all the aspects complement one another and have an impact on religious vocational discernment and decision-making.
The response of schools in Scotland to coronavirus: ‘Glow’ing together