Education Commons^™

Book Review: Robert W. Pazmiño. Foundational Issues In Christian Education, David W. Robinson

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

I remember quite well my earliest exemplar in Christian education, Dr. John Blanchard, commenting that the primary challenge facing the Christian teacher was to help our students develop critical thinking without creating a corrosively cynical or skeptical mindset. “All truth is God’s truth,” he would say, quoting Frank Gaebelein, so that we could be boldly confident in our teaching, while still remaining faithful shepherds of our students and of the Lord’s word. But how does one go …

Volume 3, Number 2: Letter From The Editor, Scot Headley

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This current issue is one that brings with it anticipation. We look forward with anticipation to our biennial conference at the end of May, this year hosted by our colleagues at Gordon College, near Boston. If you have not yet registered it is not too late, and we would love to see you there. I hope that you have been looking forward to the release of this Winter, 2008 issue of the ICCTE Journal. While we generally release the Winter issue in the winter (end of January), your editor has been tardy and for that I wish to extend my …

Book Review: Roy D. Zuck. Teaching As Paul Taught, David W. Robinson

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

The church of our Lord Jesus Christ has recognized from its foundation a vital connection between spirituality and the ministry of teaching. In his Great Commission to His disciples, now being transformed into His apostles, the Lord commanded them, saying, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matt 28:19-20a, NIV; emphasis mine) Likewise, Paul explicitly noted the spiritual gift and role of the teacher or the pastor-teacher several times in the scriptures …

Developing Comprehensive Induction Programs At Christian Schools, Joann Looney

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

The 1980s were classified as a time of “national awakening” (Goodlad, 1990, p. 1) to the complexities of restructuring our schools. Educational problems ranging from high drop out rates to low test scores could not be adequately and professionally addressed until the nation’s leaders acknowledged that “the renewal of schools, teachers and the programs that educate teachers must proceed simultaneously” (Goodlad, 1990. p. 4).

A Letter From Our New Associate Editor, Christina Belcher

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Christina Belcher is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada and an adjunct of the Education Department at Trinity Western University in Langley, BC. She is passionate about children’s literature and is interested in how narratives provoke hope, reveal cultural dispositions, and shape the soul. Her broad interests and areas of writing include literacy, worldview, and interdisciplinary study. She has previously served in teacher education in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Christina is currently a Doctoral Candidate at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Integrity And Integration: An Exploration Of The Personal, Professional, And Pedagogical In The Professoriate, Laurie R. Matthias Ed.D., Ruth-Anne Wideman Ed.D.

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This paper seeks to explore the connections between the concepts of integrity and integration within the professoriate in Christian higher education. Specifically, it examines commonalities and intersections in the definitions of terms, the gaps between rhetoric and reality, and the reasons for those gaps. Implications for a professor’s inner life, scholarship, and teaching are also discussed, and suggestions for closing the gaps are offered.

Neuroscience And Education: The Importance Of A Christian Understanding Of Human Persons, Laura A. Barwegen Ed.D.

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

The increased research in the neurosciences has affected the discipline of education in numerous ways, with publications translating this research into classroom practices. A caution is given to Christian educators to carefully reflect upon how this research influences our view of human persons and what difference this view makes in the teaching and learning process. The purpose of this paper is (1) to examine some of the ways that neuroscience is speaking into the discipline of education, particularly in understanding the capabilities and processes of the learner; (2) to develop an awareness of how this affects our understanding of persons; …

Being And Becoming: The Heart Of Teacher Education, Bev Norsworthy

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Teacher education is of critical concern to a nation’s well-being. Scripture clearly identifies that the predominant narratives in a nation’s education are directly linked to its citizen’s behaviour (e.g., see Psalm 78, Judges 2). Literature which claims that teacher education has little influence on beliefs that pre-service teachers bring to their initial teacher education may unnerve Christian teacher educators who seek to equip teachers to make a difference in the lives of children and parents in a nation (Berry, 2004; Fletcher, 1997; Hatton & Smith, 1995; Lowery, 2003). For example, Berry (2004, p. 1302) observes that:

There is little doubt …

Building A Christian Worldview Through Response To Literature, Pam Adams

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Research has shown that what one reads can be an important factor in developing one’s worldview. This paper will report my thoughts about experiences I had while reading aloud-challenging texts in two Christian school classrooms. My goal for the read alouds was to have students think about issues related to justice, love, and commitment as they apply to both the family and the larger community. Various types of response methodologies (written, art, drama, discussion) were used to encourage students to build connections between what they learned, to what is the appropriate response and action.

Undergraduates’ Perceptions Of Ideal Learning Environments, June Hetzel, Keith Walters

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Four hundred and fifty three undergraduate students were surveyed at one CCCU institution regarding perceptions of what “exists” and what they “value” related to university pedagogy, learning activities, assessments, and learning relationships. Researchers ranked students’ values and examined gaps in students’ perceptions of what students say exists at the university as compared to what they value. The highest ranked values primarily related to learning relationships, including “demonstrates Christian ethics in interactions with others” and “integrates Christian worldview in the teaching of course content.” The factor that most explained satisfaction with teaching practices was the “Methods Factor” and the single item …

Volume 2, Number 2: From The Editor: Greetings On The New Year!, Scot Headley

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

We are pleased to publish this issue of the Journal. Several key events have occurred for the ICCTE Journal over the last few months. At about the same time that our summer issue was released, our colleagues at Regent University hosted us at Virginia Beach for our biennial conference. At a business meeting at that conference, a steering committee was appointed with the task of strengthening ICCTE. That committee has been functioning, and it is our hope that a progress report will be published in next summer’s issue of the Journal. The Journal also launched a series of live webcasts …

Multicultural Considerations For Building Learning Communities, Cher N. Edwards, Scott Edwards

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Educational policies call for inclusion and attention to cultural differences in our schools. Administrators, classroom educators, counselors, and other support staff attempt to attend to students through a cooperative effort of connecting with the community beyond the school building, as well as the families represented within it. As Christians, there is a higher calling to truly embrace those often underserved in our learning communities. This paper will address multicultural issues important for United States and United Kingdom school system staff to be mindful of when focusing on students and their families.

Preparing Teachers For Their Prophetic Role To Serve With Heart, Head, And Hands, Cindy Harvel, Martine Audeoud

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

As teacher preparation programs seek to diversify their pre-service teachers’ exposure to teaching situations, Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Education Department has discovered how to maximize its freshman’s educational technology field experiences through meaningful cross-cultural community service. A plan has been implemented since the spring of 2004 where candidates taking educational technology classes are required to give 8 hours of technology tutoring as a community service to populations in cross-cultural situations. Based on the Spring 2004 successes, the cross-cultural tutoring opportunities have been expanded, leading to renewed vision in candidates’ perspectives on education and job placements. At a freshman level, this …

From The Editor: Volume 3, Issue 1, Scot Headley

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Colleagues, this issue marks the beginning of the third year of publication for the ICCTE Journal. I am pleased to inform you that in this issue we begin two new features. David Robinson, consulting editor to the Journal, provides a review of the book, Religion, Education, and Academic Success by William Jeynes. Our hope is that this review will be the first of many, as we desire to make this a regular feature of the Journal. If you have interest in submitting a review for an upcoming issue, let us know. We seek reviews of books important to Christians involved …

Head And Heart And Hands: Necessary Elements Of Inclusive Praxis, Ken Pudlas

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

When David called for the physically disabled grandson of Saul, Mephibosheth, to dine at the king’s table, he was demonstrating an extraordinary level of inclusion. This paper reports data gathered as part of a programme of inquiry into the efficacy of the Full Inclusion model of special education; discusses how educators might progress from a mere head-knowledge of what is right, to a heart conviction of what should be done; and then explores a hands-on approach of how educators might more effectively do the right thing. Additional phenomenological data are reported from practicing teachers regarding their experience with the inclusion …

Volume 1, Number 2: From The Editor: The Challenges And Joys Of Engaging In Service!, Scot Headley

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Welcome to our second issue of the Journal. We anticipated having this issue released in December, and I apologize to authors and readers alike for the delay. Two surgeries and four weeks of recovery time behind me, and we are back on track and anticipate that the next issue will be released about June 1.

Jesus Teaching Through Discovery, Heekap Lee

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

What made Jesus’ teaching effective? Jesus’ teaching was effective because it resulted in changing the hearers’ heart and having the hearer apply his message to their lives. Jesus’ teaching amazed listeners, for example, after hearing the Sermon on the Mount the crowds were amazed (Matthew 7:28). He taught ordinary, unschooled, disciples for three years and their teaching changed the entire world of their time and continues to affect our world today. The hearers of his teaching opened their “eyes and ears”. What made his teaching so successful? His teaching consisted of a set of procedures. Jesus identified the teaching moments; …

Volume 2, Number 1: From The Editor: Renewal, Refreshment And Reflection, Scot Headley

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Welcome to the Summer 2006 issue of the ICCTE Journal.

In May of 2006, a little over one month ago, about 90 teacher educators and others gathered at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia for the CCTE conference. It was a wonderful time of renewal and refreshment, as well as a time to be challenged and encouraged in our work as educators. I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to our colleagues at Regent University who worked diligently to plan for and deliver a wonderful conference. The 2008 conference will be hosted by Gordon College, in the Boston …

Special Education As Spiritual Warfare, David Anderson

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This article reflects on a theology of exceptionalities and the hermeneutics of special education, and develops the notion that there is an aspect of special education which can be understood as spiritual warfare. The main thesis is that providing access to an appropriate and least restrictive education for people with disabilities involves “demolishing strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4): removing barriers of ignorance, prejudice, stereotype, cultural mythology, and misconception as to disability and the personal worth surrounding individuals who have disabilities. The discussion is situated within the context of Nicholas Wolterstorff”s work on teaching for shalom (2002, 2004). After defining the biblical …

Is The Heart Of Education The Education Of The Heart?, Christina Belcher

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

If a Christian Institution is to do more than expand the mind or ‘head’ of adherents (which is the reason given from a biblical worldview perspective for a Christian institute’s existence), then how does education become an education of the heart, leading to a transforming world and life view? It is of note that even though Christian institutions are no strangers to the subject of worldview, sparse research has been done concerning worldview as it relates to long term educational impact. This paper is a case for the importance of looking at heart and worldview and a review of some …

Disciplea Lamp, The Cross, And A Waiting World: A Personal Theological Journey Into Whole Person Learning, David J. Gyertson

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Whole person learning is a popular, often discussed, and well explored challenge of contemporary western pedagogy. The theme of the 2006 Coalition of Christian Teacher Educators International Conference called its members to a faith-based reflection on whole person learning with the theme of “Equipping for Alignment of Heart, Head, and Hands.” This article addresses the need for a theological context of whole person learning anchored to the concepts of tough minds, tender hearts, and hands outstretched for competent, compassionate service. The foundation of this paper is a personal theological pilgrimage that began as a college student. The Spring Arbor University …

A Case Study Of Vocabulary Instruction For High School Students, John A. Sargent, Rachel Olney

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

A review of typical vocabulary instruction in a high school classroom. Several themes emerged from this case study, which highlight the related difficulties and challenges that accompany a popular approach to vocabulary instruction.

Teaching Through A Mirror Dimly: Partnering With Christ To Overcome Self, Gennie Harris

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This paper spans the ten years of the author’s career in education, focusing on her personal struggle with wanting to be seen as relevant, spectacular and powerful in the eyes of her students. These three temptations are a framework for her personal reflection, set forth by Henri J. M. Nouwen (1989) in In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership. This paper chronicles the author’s struggles as a first-year K-12 teacher and as a new professor. The author finally recognizes how she sees both her students and herself in a mirror dimly and that partnering with Christ is the …

Volume 1, Number 1: From The Editor, Scot Headley

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Colleagues, I am pleased that our team of authors, reviewers and editors have worked hard at getting this first issue of our journal into publication. It was just over a year ago that about 90 of us gathered at George Fox University in Newberg Oregon for the last CCTE conference. At our closing plenary session, there was a strong sense that we wanted to further the work that we have done together by building connections between conferences. This first issue of the ICCTE Journal is the result of a journey of exploration that began over ten years ago, and hopefully …

Learning From Each Other, Serving Together, Patricia L. Powell

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

At Trinity Christian College we believe that incorporating service and scholarship into teaching is congruent with the transformational nature of Trinity’s mission. An Illinois Campus Compact funded service-learning project broadened Trinity students’ understanding of service-learning pedagogy as they planned, participated in and assisted students with disabilities in service-learning experiences. College students, high school teachers and high school students with disabilities had the opportunity to work, learn, and serve together.

"Living Through" The Looking Glass, Rebecca E. Pennington

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

In Lewis Carroll’s (1871, 1992) well-known poem from Through the Looking Glass, “Jabberwocky”, nonsense words combine with known English words to create a whimsical effect appealing to readers of all ages. The words seem to gambol and dance in the ear as one imagines the valiant son with the bloody “vorpal sword” in one hand and the head of the monstrous Jabberwock in the other as he goes “galumphing” back to his father (Carroll,1871, 1992). Alice senses there is meaning in the poem but confesses that she cannot quite understand it. She exclaims, “‘Somehow it seems to fill my head …

Christian, Reflective, And Nurturing: That Is Who We Are!, Daniel C. Elliott, Harro Van Brummelen

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

What is a nurturing, reflective, Christian teacher? An inquisitive group of teacher educator scholars from Christian colleges and universities sought to investigate this question during the 1990s. They wanted to better understand what it meant to teach in the image of the Lord Jesus Christ and follow His example. Jesus was thoughtful, reflective, and nurturing. Scripture tells much of his reflections about the world He was observing and the heart of humans. Therefore, these teacher educators aspired to better understand Christ-like reflectivity. The resulting conversation and investigation was an exciting one, but one not without some speed bumps along the …

Creating Space For Personal Meaning In Schooling, Harro Van Brummelen, Kimberly Franklin, Monika Hilder

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This paper suggests possible ways for teachers to develop students’ personal meaning in public school classrooms. We discuss why schools should move beyond a focus on narrow performance standards and help students address the mysteries of life in our universe. We show how a personally meaningful curriculum is an integral one that emphasizes multiple dimensions of knowledge, enduring understandings, and the development of a moral imagination. We conclude that by using four educational keystones (gratitude, justice, imagination, and transcendence) we can educate for personal meaning without imposing our own worldview and belief system on our students.

Schools Of Education, Theory Production, And Institutional Reform, Steve Loomis, Jake Rodriguez, Rachel Tillman

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

The purpose of this brief study is to examine the constraints on theory production in schools of education, especially relative to Christian schools of education.

Self-Narratives For Christian Multicultural Educators: A Pathway To Understanding Self And Others, Heewon Chang

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

As cultural diversity increases in classrooms, it becomes imperative for teachers to gain multicultural competency so that they can provide effective instruction to diverse students. This paper argues that the development of multicultural competency should be solidly grounded on reflective, empathic, and critical understanding of one’s own culture as well as others. This cultural understanding, particularly from a Christian perspective, recognizes the connectivity of self and others in God. To enhance the cultural understanding, the author recommends studying self-narratives written by others and writing one’s own cultural autobiography. Keywords: cultural autobiography, self-narratives, self-reflection, multicultural teacher education, discourse of others.