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ERIC Number: ED393364
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1996
Pages: 25
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Christian Post-Secondary Teacher's Vocational Task.
Parsons, Jim; Fenwick, Tara J.
This paper on infusing a Christian approach into college teaching argues that the traditional definition of teaching is narrow and harmful, that the methods a teacher uses are content themselves, that some methods are more consonant with Christian principles than others, and that Christian teachers in a Christian post-secondary institution should use methods that represent Christ's model. In a section that looks at why this issue merits attention, the paper points out that teachers in Christian institutions must respond to the societal anxiety over change and fragmentation to offer a strong presence to their students. The argument goes on to look at the practicality of teaching and the powerful role Christian teachers can play in helping students confront their questions. In particular the paper urges Christian teachers to model Christian content by: building a sense of "family" with students; remembering that students have lives and connect teaching and content with their lives; placing the teaching vocation in the context of the world and acting on it by helping students to see the political questions beyond content; and accepting and recognizing personal gifts and limitations. In conclusion the paper notes that the calling of a Christian teacher requires responsibility, spiritual qualifications, and honorable action. (JB)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A