ICBM’s curriculum design is inspired and influenced by prominent and accredited graduate level theological and divinity programs from around the United States and from a diversity of religious traditions. The ICBM curriculum has been constructed and continuously strives to offer training and education opportunities on par with the education and training of other religious professionals.
ICBM draws upon the teaching strategies of Knowle’s Theory of Andragogy (adult-centered learning), Lave’s Theory of Situated Learning, and Heutagogy (self-determined learning). Additionally, our design and curriculum is influenced by several of the leading figures that have been at the front of the Critical Pedagogy educational and social movements, such as Paulo Freire, Henry Giroux, Ira Shor, and bell hooks.
Engaged learning is at the center of the ICBM educational theory. Courses are carefully constructed and designed to encourage critical engagement, reflection, and encourage individuals to actively integrate the principles and concepts introduced in ICBM courses into one’s own ministerial practice.
Students are provided opportunities to engage with peers through shared discussion and video/audio conferencing throughout each course.
Currently, ICBM courses are held online and are asynchronous. ICBM leverages an industry leading Learning Management System (LMS), as the course platform and delivery technology.
ICBM courses are facilitated by experienced Buddhist teachers and other qualified professionals from other faith traditions and professional fields. While course facilitators are encouraged and invited to create and deliver instructional lectures, the primary responsibilities of course facilitators are to encourage and promote peer group interaction and discussion, and offer individual support when needed.
Since many ICBM participants will already be functioning in active sangha ministry, the ICBM curriculum will serve to help further enrich, deepen, and contextualize one’s practice of leadership and teaching. Through the achievement of meeting ICBM program Outcomes & Competencies, Buddhist teachers will be better equipped in both theory and praxis, thus further building on one’s experience and competency in sangha & community service.