Education Commons^™

Assessing Spiritual Formation: Perceptions Of Challenges And Successes, Amy H. Bagby, James Drexler

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

P-12 Christian schools are faced with the challenge of assessing spiritual formation. This research aims to understand the perceptions of spiritual formation assessment, describe the difficulties related to this form of evaluation, and make practical suggestions for next steps. Through survey and interview, we gained the perspective of individuals working in P-12 schools. Findings show that there are currently gaps and needs between: (1) mission and vision statements regarding spiritual formation and what is being practiced, (2) biblical integration both in content and in pedagogy, (3) godly relationships with students as an indispensable key in the formation of students spiritually, …

How A Christian Worldview Enhances And Interacts With Academic Service Learning, Paul Angel Flores, Mark Arvidson

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Abstract

This study assesses how a Christian worldview enhances and interacts with academic service learning. It explains the importance of a Christian worldview and development at the undergraduate level. Faith integration is a distinctive to Christian higher education as part of attaining course objectives and fulfilling the mission of the institution. It considers academic service learning as a tool for teaching and learning in pre-service teacher education with faith integration. Findings explain the interaction of Christian worldview and academic service learning informing university student’s perceptions of teaching and understanding of students with special needs. Quantitative research methods demonstrate that academic …

Ready Or Not: The Leadership Preparation Of Preservice Teachers At Christian Liberal Arts Institutions, Kelly A. Lenarz

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Teacher leadership is a component of teaching that exists from the beginning of a teacher’s career and continues to develop over the course of their career trajectory. Research on teacher leadership at the preservice level is limited, but it does speak to the consideration for the starting point of teacher leadership development to be within teacher preparation programs. This quantitative study examined the preparation of preservice teachers for leadership at Christian liberal arts institutions of higher education. One hundred student teachers completed an online survey to determine the relationship between teacher licensure area (elementary, secondary, K-12, and special education) and …

Sustaining The Growth Curve: How Christian Schools Can Sustain The Post-Covid Growth Surge, Jared B. Johnston

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Prior to the 2019-2020 school year, the Christian school movement as a whole was in decline. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a surge in enrollment growth to Christian schools across the country. While this is encouraging news, Christian school leaders must be cautious and work to sustain the current growth surge. To maintain the growth surge, Christian school leaders can implement financial and non-financial factors of sustainability. Financial factors of sustainability include budgeting effectively, developing strategic plans, forecasting economic futures, and adhering to sound financial practices. Non-financial factors include a vibrant biblical worldview and Christian culture, effective leadership, a conducive …

Book Review: Missio Dei In A Digital Age, Christina Belcher

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

Instilling Biblical Dispositions In Faith-Based Teacher Education Programs, Jeff Wiesman

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Education faculty understand the importance of emphasizing and assessing teacher candidates’ professional dispositions. While all educator preparation providers examine dispositions, should faculty in our community of Christian colleges and universities include a stronger emphasis on Biblically-based dispositions? This essay explores the beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and values Christian educators should embrace, including dispositions teachers should display in a public or private-school setting. Christians are called to conform to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28) and, therefore, they should exemplify the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:22) and the Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22). In addition, the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5), a service …

Understanding Motivational Differences Through The Lens Of Gamification User Types, Heather J. S. Birch

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

In the context of an educational technology course, teacher candidates completed Marczewski’s User Types Hexad Test, a questionnaire based on a typology for classifying both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational tendencies. The test results showed teacher candidates' motivational tendencies, through indicating their resonance with six different User Types, including Socializers, Free Spirits, Achievers, Philanthropists, Players, and Disruptors. Knowing their User Type allowed teacher candidates to reflect on their own personal motivations to use various types of digital tools, as well as to consider how their peers and their students with different user profiles may be motivated differently than themselves. The …

Restoration: Emerging With Courage, Michelle C. Hughes Dr.

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This essay, first presented at the conference (name has been changed) as a talk at anonymous university, examines one pre-service faculty’s scholarly journey. Written during the Covid-19 pandemic, the author highlights research about professional teaching dispositions specifically exploring the disposition of courage. The essay reveals how the author’s research and scholarship became life-giving during a challenging season. The author encourages colleagues to cultivate space to reflect, summon courage and consider where they can seek and find restoration in their work and scholarship. The author concludes that seeking restoration is a life-giving practice that reminds educators of our faith and calling––and …

Demystifying Preservice Teacher Reflective Thinking: A Systematic Literature Review, Joan Flora

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This systematic literature review responds to the need for research on clarity of what reflective thinking practice is and in determining the value of that practice for preservice teachers. While much has been written about preservice teacher reflective thinking, few studies have explored empirical research on the processes that inform and shape preservice teachers’ reflective practice. This study examines the existing literature to discern common themes in the diverse definitions of reflective thinking. This study also examines diverse frameworks that help teacher educators guide, analyze, assess, and measure the quality of preservice teacher reflective thinking. This study helps inform education …

Using Online Video Observations And Real Time, Peer Reflective Analysis Of Culturally Responsive Teaching Pedagogy In A University Teacher Preparatory Program For Preservice Teachers, Adrian E. Cortes

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This research aimed to understand the impacts of using online video observations and real-time peer reflection to teach and address culturally responsive teaching in a Pacific Northwest university’s teacher preparatory program. Six active university students enrolled in a university’s new teacher preparatory program (i.e., preservice, new teacher candidates) actively participated in all areas of this study (i.e., nonrandom sampling) and provided both quantitative and qualitative data. Study participants completed self-evaluative pre- and post-surveys in a research group session. Surveys were built using the ready 4 rigor framework (Hammond & Jackson, 2015) and the four areas of culturally responsive teaching as …

The Wise Professor: The Skillful Art Of Living In God's Mission, Aaron Badenhop

Doctor of Ministry

Today’s Christian professor in the secular university setting is likely an expert in their academic field. Likewise, many Christian faculty are sincere in their faith and devout in their practice. The Christian professor’s expert knowledge is impressive and their heart for God is admirable. Yet, today’s Christian professor is simultaneously likely to be ill-equipped and disconnected from having a missional impact in their secular university context. In my work with Cru at The Ohio State University, this challenge is complex; there are no easy answers. Christian faculty are typically educated and trained in environments that assume the irrelevance of God …

Book Review: Education For Hope: A Course Correction, Sean Schat

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

A review of Hull, J. E. (2023). Education for hope: A course correction. Friesenpress. (ISBN: 978-1-03-914533-7, 431 pages, soft cover)

From The Editor, Sean Schat

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

From The Editor, Sean Schat

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

In a fascinating twist, the manuscripts in this issue all coalesced around a common thread: worldview-informed Christian education.

Best Practices And Biblical Worldview For Technology Integration, Randall J. King, Carleigh Schoenleber, Deana Mack

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This research focused on a study conducted across three different teacher education programs, focusing on equipping teacher candidates with strategies for technology integration while encouraging them to examine how to best glorify God with appropriate technology use in the classroom. Students were instructed using common research-based practices and assignments. These included instruction on the SAMR model, exploration of a variety of technology tools, and a reflection on what it means to glorify God through teaching with technology. Pre- and post-survey data was collected to measure the effectiveness of both the instruction and changes in students' attitudes and perceptions of technology …

The Wisdom In Questions, Dane C. Joseph

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This essay reflects an educational psychologist's thoughts on pursuing wisdom during a pandemic and multiple social and economic justice crises through their lived experiences. These experiences eventually place people, circumstances, and faith at the center of wisdom while embracing questioning over certainty and answers.

Strategies For Christian Educators And Administrators To Move From Pre-Pandemic Vuca Reaction To Post-Pandemic Vuca 2.0 Response., Doug Atha

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Abstract

Pre-pandemic Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) realities added specific complexity to education and administrative practice at Christian schools, influencing Christian school educators and administrator reactions to the challenges experienced in their social and professional contexts (Ungerer, Ungerer and Herholdt, 2016). Post-pandemic realities however, will require greater diligence for Christian educators and administrators. The transition from pre-pandemic reactive responses to VUCA influence on Christian school environments to applying visionary, understandable, courageous and adaptive (VUCA 2.0) strategic principles for those same environments, is a necessary strategic challenge to accept. Christian school educators and administrators wanting to support a healthy and …

Founder's Address: Putting Workpants On Your Worldview, Christina Belcher

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This essay outlines the importance of the ICCTE, as a memoir in a keynote address at the 2022 ICCTE conference at George Fox University.

From The Editor, Sean Schat

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Brookfield, S. (2017). Becoming A Critically Reflective Teacher, Second Edition. Jossey-Bass. Isbn 978-1-119-04970-8, Hardcover, 286 Pages., Edith Van Der Boom

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

A review of Brookfield, S. (2017). Becoming a critically reflective teacher (2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass. ISBN 978-1-119-04970-8, hardcover, 286 pages.

Partnering With A Purpose: Developing Teachers And Leaders Through A Faith-Based And Public Partnership, Shari Farris, Cammy Purper

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

The challenges of maintaining a strong teacher pipeline are significant and have far-reaching consequences. Teachers who receive effective training, mentor support, and meaningful professional development are more likely to remain in the field. One way of supporting new teachers is through the development of public-private partnerships. This essay describes and discusses the successful partnership established between a faith-based university and a local school district to provide educational and training opportunities to new teachers.

Plan Integrated Lessons For Deep Learning And Life Change, Delta Cavner, Julie Bryant

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

God has given everyone the capacity to learn deeply so that we will follow Him with “a whole heart and with a willing mind” (2 Chron. 28:9). This essay focuses on lesson planning that draws students to learn deeply and develop skills and habits that lead to life change. It first explores the background of integrated learning by analyzing models endorsed in the field of education. It introduces a lesson plan that integrates the head, heart, hands and habits and that promotes a heart response for each phase of learning. Finally, it reminds teachers how essential it is to prayerfully …

Easter 1945: A Call For Christian Intellectualism, Patrick Otto, Janet George

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

There is an urgent need for Christian intellectualism to find its voice again. Institutions of higher education in America today are facing the onslaught of conflicting worldviews. In 1945 C.S. Lewis warned the Church about watering down the faith. In a postmodern world that is trying to be ‘good without God’, for the sake of their students and the Church, Christian educators must hold firm to scripture. There are several cultural challenges that inhibit the progress of Christian intellectualism, but if Christians learn to ‘think Christianly,’ and are “unafraid to articulate their own faith assumptions…(thereby allowing) the academic enterprise to …

From The Editor, Sean Schat

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

This Spring issue is a fascinating mix of manuscripts, all serendipitously related to ways Christian educators can lead, influence, and develop leadership capacity. The issue opens with Patrick Otto’s call for Christian intellectualism. Belcher and Pebesma describe a study of technology teaching and learning for preservice teacher educators. Cavner and Bryant explore ways to plan integrated lessons for deep learning and life change. Farris and Purper share their experiences developing partnerships with public organizations in their local community. The issue concludes with two book reviews focusing on leadership in schools, one related to supporting students with special educational needs, the …

What Scaffolds Good Technology Teaching And Learning?, Christina Belcher, Adrienne Pebesma

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

"Within a six-week full time practicum experience, these candidates put their own personal philosophies of what it means to educate a student alongside their own presuppositions of how an increasingly digital classroom may improve or deter learning."

Paraeducator Experience Participating In Professional Development: A Phenomenological Perspective, Loren K. Sickles

Doctor of Education (EdD)

This qualitative research used a phenomenological method to foreground Washington State instructional paraeducator voices describing their experiences participating in state mandated professional development certification program. The participants all received a minimum of 14 hours, out of 98 hours, of the state’s required professional development for the paraeducator certificate program. An unstructured interview method was utilized to allow participants to openly describe their experience participating in the professional development and describe impacts the professional development had on how they understand their role and responsibility as a paraeducator. Analysis of the data was conducted through the lenses of two adult learning theories, …

Book Review: Sider, S. R., & Maich, K. (2022). Leadership For Inclusive Schools: Cases For Supporting Students With Special Educational Needs. Rowman & Littlefield. Isbn 978-147-585-276-9. Paperback. 320 Pages, Lisa Devall-Martin

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Kutsyuruba, B., Cherkowski, S., & Walker, K. (2021). Leadership For Flourishing In Educational Contexts: Canadian Scholars. Idbn 978-1-77338-285-2, Softcover, 340 Pages., Christina Belcher

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

No abstract provided.

The Propensity Of Character Education To Promote And Predict Moral Development As Measured In Middle School Students, Kristine Smith

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

With an interest in whether character education programs promoted moral development, a study was conducted on a group of middle school students. The question driving this quantitative research asked whether four components of character education—namely self-management, self-efficacy, social awareness, and growth mindset—might predict moral reasoning in adolescents. Data from a multiple and simple regression provided an answer to this study’s question. Surveys completed by 126 students (grades six through eight) provided data for the initial multiple regression. Upon conducting the multiple regression, growth mindset emerged as the only component with a statistically significant (p < .001) relationship with moral reasoning. After the non-relational variables were removed, and a simple regression was conducted, the analysis indicated growth mindset accounted for 11% of a student’s moral reasoning and yielded a small effect size of .11. Along with identifying a significant relationship between growth mindset and moral reasoning, the study further identified an underlying relationship between context, growth mindset, and moral development. In light of Christian educators’ “Scriptural advantage”, Christian schools hold a “contextual advantage” when it comes to establishing cognitive, instructional, and societal contexts.

Tales From A Recession: Encouragement For New Teachers During Uncertain Times, Carolyn Mitten

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

New teachers will be facing many uncertainties this year as they begin their teaching career after a worldwide pandemic. As teacher educators, we are called to care for our students not only in our courses but also as they journey into their first years of teaching. This essay reflects on lessons the author learned from entering her own teaching career during the Great Recession and words of encouragement for teacher educators looking to support their new graduates during such a challenging yet exciting time.