Inquiry Learning - What have we got ourselves into?

The new program of training for BCM cadets consists of the second year cadets pursuing eight Salvation Army related modules of training. Each of these covers a different aspect of TSA's mission and ministry, concluding with the Officers Covenant.

This new program is acheived through what is called 'Inquiry Learning'. For this there is a set program of 'required learning' which we all must understand. But then we are left to discover and research other aspects through an Individual task and Group. For these we develop our own research area and question, as well as a similar process in a group of 5, and spend the next 3 weeks answering it. Then we present these findings and conclusions to the rest of the class.

We began this process on Monday and it have quickly learned the benefits and pitfalls of this way of learning. It is quite exciting to be able to choose your own topic to research and follow it through. But it is also quite difficult to choose from such a huge, varied and broad range of areas! And if you word your question wrongly, then it makes life incredibly difficult. Working in groups and getting a consensual answer is a social experiment in itself...

Our first module is themed around The Salvation Army's Mission and Ministry. The required learning, so far, has been of the historical foundations of our movement, but theres more to come. So far some plan to look into the historical development of women in leadership, while others went down the socialwork and mission side of things. There were questions about the songbook, traditions, sacraments, the uniform, the stance we have taken on alcohol, corporate branding and many more.

If you were in our shoes, what one thing/area would you like to know more about in the Army?