Maria James
My research: Living faith in educational praxis
I am a senior lecturer at St Mary’s University
College, Twickenham. My main discipline is Religious Education and
I teach Masters in situ and on-line. My interests are varied , from
reading, art, theatre and tennis.
I am presently seeking to complete my doctoral
studies about faith-based practice. At present my question is, ‘How
do I understand my living faith as the grounds for the work I do
with teachers’.
As a Christian, I am interested in ways faith
is lived out in the lecture room with others in life affirming and
human flourishing ways. I am adopting a self-study action research
methodology and working in part with Professor Jean McNiff. I hope
to conclude my research and thesis later this year, if that is
possible , with such a heavy teaching programme this semester. I
live in hope, actually in faith, hope and love, my three main
articulated and underpinning values.
I consider RE not so much a discipline but
rather a way of coming to know and as an integral part of that
knowing, I am developing ways of using visual metaphor to aid with
expression in my work.
Why did you choose this programme at this University?
My Professor, Julian Stern transferred there when he was given
the position of Dean of Education and I duly followed from Hull as
I appreciate his true wisdom and encouragement greatly.
How long have you been studying at YSJ?
This will be my third year
How did you find combining your ‘work & home’ life with
your studies?
I am finding that doing my studies has allowed
a space for reflection and writing. Now I am in my late
fifties, life in some ways has become more settled and so,
with a supportive and encouraging husband this has allowed me the
time to write. I could not have contemplated this earlier in my
life and heartily applaud anyone with children at home who embarks
on such study. I work with two such colleagues and am aware of the
spiritual resilience it is necessary to develop.
What did you find most helpful about the programme, resources,
staff, university?
I have already mentioned my main tutor who is
great. On the occasions that I have had to travel to York St John I
have found all the staff to be very gracious and accommodating and
have enjoyed my sessions there. I believe you are most
fortunate to have Jean McNiff with you as I have found all
correspondence and interaction with her most enlightening and
encouraging. I worked with her when she spent time at St Mary’s and
miss her very much.