The scripture and liturgy teaching (SALT) approach for teaching religious education in catholic primary schools and beyond

This study has been motivated by the seminal work of Maria Montessori, as implemented and developed by Sophia Cavalletti and the work of Gerard O’Shea. The first (doctoral) phase involved implementing the SALT Approach in a pilot school and focused on a single cohort (Year 2). A prototype, anchored in the principles and practices of the aforementioned persons, was developed. Three core pedagogical approaches facilitating success were identified. These were pedagogies that (a) enabled deep pondering, (b) honoured and respected each person, and (c) facilitated authentic choice-making. Significant challenges were noted and addressed. These included behaviour issues, fragile family situations, diverse student faith backgrounds, time and space limitations, access to resources, limited teachers’ religious knowledge, understanding commitment, curriculum structures and accountability issues. In the five years since the completion of the doctorate, the SALT Approach has been taken up in schools, parishes and families. In one NSW diocese the SALT Approach has been rolled out to all its primary schools. In another diocese, a 5-day SALT Approach Professional development Course was devised and successfully implemented. This opens the opportunity to conduct a rich second phase of design-based research.