The Dictionary, published by LAS, is aimed at students, teachers, educationalists, and anyone with an interested in educational issues at various levels in various contexts. A decade after its first publication, the Faculty of Educational Studies at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome (UPS) has thought it necessary to prepare a new edition taking account of developments in educational studies, including new topics, reworking some of the text and updating the bibliography. The Dictionary, which is intended to reflect the present state of research, is offered as a working tool, and an authoritative reference book. The theoretical background is combined with careful consideration of how it might be put into practice in different areas of education.

The educational process is analysed from many angles (history, theology, philosophy, anthropology, sociology, psychology, biology, methodology, law), making use of the contribution of the pure sciences and traditional and modern technology. The entries are subdivided into those dealing with themes, covering different disciplines, but pedagogically relevant, and entries of an historical nature (authors, institutions, historical periods with a wide range of interest).

Each topic has an introductory section, defining the meaning of the term, and a central section giving, where appropriate, the ‘status quaestionis’, approaches to the theme, critical comment and indications about its relevance. For authors there is a biographical outline, and notes on publications, educational thought, achievements in education or institutions, and a brief critical assessment. The bibliography lists the main works in chronological order and is often subdivided into sources and studies.

The Dictionary, which includes a CD-ROM, has a foreword from Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva, Chancellor of the UPS. He affirms that serving people through education is a means of development and promotion for the whole of society, and that religious teaching and moral formation form a fundamental part. In our strategic planning today, insists Fr Chávez, we must try to bring together all the positive forces in play. Families, civil societies, the State, the Church, must learn how to collaborate, because no educational project can succeed without the participation of all. In this context, the Church’s educational work makes an original contribution, promoting a harmony of experience, culture, faith and life.

The Dictionary will be launched on 31 March at the Salesian Pontifical University. Among the speakers will be Mons. Lorenzo Chiarinelli, Bishop of Viterbo.

Published 11/3/2008