In the midst of my reading for divinity school, I encountered the term “embedded theology,” which is
A theology deeply in place and at work as we live
The discussion distinguishes between embedded theology and deliberate theology or a chosen theology. Embedded theology is often not questioned, but causes us to make decision. If that embedded theology goes unchecked or unquestioned often we are making decisions based on assumptions or beliefs that we haven’t challenged since high school.
Now the theology might not be interesting to you, but if you have worked in a school for any length of time, you realize teachers also hold embedded methodology.
In other words, teachers are making decisions about what kind of assessments, who talks and who listens in the classroom and even decisions about the physical layout of their classroom based on their embedded methodology. If this embedded methodology isn’t changed into deliberate methodology or chosen methodology, then the teacher will ride every wave of top-down program and “new” ideas that float his/her way.
So why does it matter?
If, as teachers, we can’t articulate why we are doing what we are doing in the classroom, then we have no chance of becoming the decision makers of our own profession.
It’s time to challenge and question our embedded methodology.
It’s time to choose deliberate methodology.