Date

11-13-2024

Department

School of Education

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD)

Chair

Mary Strickland

Keywords

biblical literacy, worldview development, blended learning, Community of Inquiry, learning community

Disciplines

Education

Abstract

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand biblical worldview development of church members at Community Church. The theory guiding this study was Garrison et al’s (2010) Community of Inquiry (CoI). The central research question for this study was: Using a blended online learning approach based on instructional design and technology principles founded in Community of Inquiry CoI theory, how was the development of a biblical worldview influenced by discipleship in a local assembly to increase biblical literacy and community engagement? The study focused on perceptions from 12–-15 members of a small local church in the southern United States during a semester of biblical studying using a blended learning experience. Researcher observation records and transcripts of interviews and a focus group discussion were analyzed using in vivo coding and values coding to identify themes that address the problem and purpose of this study. It was discovered that learning communities for church members can benefit from the structure afforded by the proper application of theory and principles. This resulted in the discovery that social presence supported by adult learning theory can be established in a church learning community and have a positive influence on increasing biblical literacy and worldview development. A cognitive presence was supported by practical inquiry in the learning community, resulting in the sharing of diverse perspectives and experiences to increase learning. Finally, teaching presence was established through instructors’ facilitation skills to lead discussions and interactions with participants.

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