Graduate students in the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program at Grebel usually learn together in small classes. The pandemic this year has turned the program’s teaching model on its head, as professors have adapted and even reconstructed their courses for the ease of learning and connecting virtually. Because of the online platform, the courses are reaching more students who are excited to learn.
“I think the pandemic had an effect on some people’s decisions to explore our program, resulting in a record high enrolment,” explained Director of Theological Studies, Jeremy Bergen. “It may have been something they were thinking about for a while, changes in employment, or the possibility of studying online that made our program seem like a viable option.”
One student who enrolled due to the pandemic is Andrew Brown, a visiting student from the Master of Arts in Theological Studies program at Canadian Mennonite University. Over the summer of 2020, Andrew started looking at other universities since most of them had moved their courses online. Andrew “saw this as an opportunity to study anywhere as a visiting student.”
The flexibility of online courses also enabled Chris Hutton, the youth and young adult pastor at Niagara United Mennonite Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake, to take a Grebel course this term. “Knowing that I wouldn’t have to drive as much to access the course materials and content opened an even greater opportunity to continue my education and professionalization.”
Carol Penner, Assistant Professor of Theological Studies, added, “we are having really good class discussions and the students are engaging with each other in this new format.”
Rebecca Booker was surprised “by the depth of my engagement in the course material. I think we’re reading more thoroughly, and putting far more thought into our comments and responses. In many ways, this format has increased my ability to focus on the material.”
Though the overall experience has been positive, meeting online has been a challenge for both students and professors. With technical difficulties, the lack of informal conversation during lunch or break to get to know peers, and the feeling of separation, the online format is not the perfect replacement for such a heavily interactive and discussion-based program.
Online classes have changed the way the Theological Studies program operates. With the rise in enrollment and interest in the program, there may be lasting online opportunities. Jeremy added, “we will explore how online offerings might be integrated into the mix in the future. But whatever form our classes take, learning together with a relatively small cohort of students, in which community is fostered, will be central to what we do.”
