comparative methods of collegiate, faith learning integration
DESCRIPTION
Jeff BeineTRANSCRIPT
Comparative Methods of Collegiate, Faith-Learning Integration
Jeff Beine, Ph.D.Malone University
Background of the study
Arthur Holmes, PhD (Wheaton College)
Larry D. Burton & Constance C. Nwosu (2003): Student Perceptions of the Integration of Faith, Learning, and Practice In an Educational Methods Course, Journal of Research on Christian Education, 12:2, 101-135
Terry Anne Lawrence, Larry D. Burton & Constance C. Nwosu (2005): Refocusing on the Learning in “Integration of Faith and Learning", Journal of Research on Christian Education, 14:1, 17-50
What is the true mission of a Christian university?
Wheaton CollegeWheaton College exists to help
build the church and improve society worldwide by promoting the development of whole and effective Christians through excellence in programs of Christian higher education.
Messiah CollegeOur mission is to educate men
and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.
Azusa Pacific UniversityAzusa Pacific University is an
evangelical Christian community of disciples and scholars who seek to advance the work of God in the world through academic excellence in liberal arts and professional programs of higher education that encourage students to develop a Christian perspective of truth and life.
Biola UniversityThe mission of Biola University is
biblically centered education, scholarship and service—equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. Our business is to inspire student's learning so that they are empowered to think and practice from a Christian worldview in their fields of service.
Malone UniversityThe mission of Malone is to
provide students with an education based on biblical faith in order to develop men and women in intellectual maturity, wisdom, and Christian faith who are committed to serve the church, community and world.
1 Corinthians 2:16 (NIV)
16 for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?”[a]
But we have the mind of Christ.
MethodsUndergraduate, education majorsVoluntary, anonymous survey
given at the end of an Ed Psych course
Females = 32Males = 12
Types of integrative methods considered for this surveyMemorization of Bible versesReadings from Christian authorsWatching Christian filmsWriting: responding to specific versesWriting: finding verses to applyViewing verses embedded in lecture notesTeacher-led discussions: assigned films/readingsTeacher-led discussions: spiritual issues related to
lecture contentTeacher-led discussions: spiritual issues related to
current event topicsSmall group discussion: spiritual issues related to
course content
Student Ratings of Method Effectiveness (1-4)
Females responses (n = 32) Males responses (n = 12)
#1: Tchr: spiritual issues rel. lectures
#2: Watching Christian films
#3: Tchr: spiritual issues rel. current events in the news
#4: Writing: find/apply own verses
#5: Writing: respond to spec verses
#6: Tchr: analysis of films/readings
#7: Embedded verses in lect notes
#8: Memorizing verses
#9: Reading from Christian authors
#10: Small group discussions
#1: Watching Christian films
#2: Tchr: spiritual issues rel. current events in the news
#3: Embedded verses in lect notes
#4: Tchr: spiritual issues rel. lecture
#5: Memorizing verses
#6: Writing: find/apply own verses
#7: Tchr: analysis of films/readings
#8: Writing: respond to spec verses
#9: Small group discussions
#10: Reading from Christian authors
Methods’ Ratings vs Rankings
RATINGS (both genders) RANKINGS (both genders)
1: Watching Christian films
2: Tchr-led discuss: lectures
3: Tchr-led discuss: cur evnts
4: Writing: find/apply verses
5: Writing: to specific verses
6: Tchr-led discuss: films/rd
7: Verses emb in lectures
8: Memorizing verses
9: Reading of Christian authors
10: Small group discussions
1: Tchr-led discuss: lectures
2: Tchr-led discuss: cur evnts
3: Writing: find/apply verses
4: Tchr-led discuss: films/rd
5: Writing: to specific verses
6: Watching Christian films
7: Verses emb in lectures
8: Small group discussions
9: Memorizing verses
10: Reading of Christian authors
More, Less, or About Right?Amt of Bible reading / verse
memorizationAmt of biblical analysis/appl in writingAmt of CT discussing how specific
verses applyAmt of CT hearing profs dis/debate
Chr issuesAmt of CT of students dis/debate Chr
issuesAmt of exposure to important Chr
authorsUse of the Bible in class by professorsUse of Chr reasoning in class by
professors
Grouping by college selection motivations (Was biblical, Christian university in your Top 2?)
FAITH CHR EVAN CH MOR NON0
2
4
6
8
10
12
males - no Bible choicefemales - no Bib choicemales - Bible in choicefemales - Bible in choice
Agree #1: Homework: Reading & Memorizing Bible verses
MORE(noB) LESS(noB) RIGHT(NoB) MORE(B) LESS(B) RIGHT(B)0
5
10
15
20
25
Amt of Bible reading and Scripture memo-rization
Agree #2: Using Bible in writing
MORE(noB) LESS(noB) RIGHT(NoB) MORE(B) LESS(B) RIGHT(B)0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Amt of biblical analysis/appl in writing assignments
Agree #3: Reading Chr authors
MORE(noB) LESS(noB) RIGHT(NoB) MORE(B) LESS(B) RIGHT(B)0
5
10
15
20
25
Amt of exposure to important Christian authors
Agree #4: Christian reasoning
MORE(noB) LESS(noB) RIGHT(NoB) MORE(B) LESS(B) RIGHT(B)0
5
10
15
20
25
Use of Christian reasoning in class by pro-fessors
Diff #1: Profs apply verses
MORE(noB) LESS(noB) RIGHT(NoB) MORE(B) LESS(B) RIGHT(B)0
5
10
15
20
25
Amt of CT discussing how specific Bible verses apply to lecture content
Diff #2: Hearing profs debate
MORE(noB) LESS(noB) RIGHT(NoB) MORE(B) LESS(B) RIGHT(B)0
5
10
15
20
25
Amt of CT hearing profs discussing/debating Christian issues
Diff #3: Students debating
MORE(noB) LESS(noB) RIGHT(NoB) MORE(B) LESS(B) RIGHT(B)0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Amt of CT students themselves dis/debate Chr issues
Diff #4: Profs using the Bible
MORE(noB) LESS(noB) RIGHT(NoB) MORE(B) LESS(B) RIGHT(B)0
5
10
15
20
25
Use of Bible in class by professors
Voices of students who didn’t indicate a desire for a biblical, Christian education
There is a lack of integration of different races, sexual orientations.
They constantly push for Christian worship activities requiring 20 chapels per semester.
Sometimes faith is pushed on students too hard and they turn away from it.
It’s getting in the way in science and actual critical thinking.
Don't push it on non-believers too much, but overall they are very effective.
Voices of students who indicated support for Malone’s mission for a biblical, Christian education (guys) We're always talking to new believers -- I want more. People are hostile to learning about this when it's
forced on them; those that care will learn and those that don't care will harden themselves against it.
The topics of faith and Christ never come up in class unless a student brings it up. This school needs help.
The aspect that I like most about Malone is that the professors are genuine about their faith and their job. This passion has a trickle down effect to the students.
This school can no longer be Christ's Kingdom first, which it barely is now. The liberals are taking over and we're letting them.
I think Malone does a good job in their teaching of education and biblical faith.
Voices of students who indicated support for Malone’s mission for a biblical, Christian education (girls) Nothing - we are a Christian school that should not be
watered down in order not to offend nonbelievers. Not a lot of courses use the time to speak about faith
because they need to lecture. The professors, faculty, and staff show that they truly care
and definitely integrate Christian faith, but it is still lacking much discussion about it and needs more relation to lessons.
Classes that aren't Bible classes tend to leave out God and the Bible for the most part -- only one and maybe two often talk about God. Malone being a Christian university should plan more of that.
Malone profs are open about their faith and do a great job of integrating their faith daily.
I can see just by how the professors treat their students that they are Christians but I feel that they could make more of an effort to integrate that faith into their lessons.
ConclusionsPrevious findings confirmed – influence
of the teacher seems to be the primary (and most desired) factor for faith-learning integration
Our university’s mission is indeed supported by students: most desire a biblical, Christian education
Though students not seeking a Christian education are satisfied, the vast majority of students want the Bible used more often and more specifically in class
Why use the Bible in class?Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
I Cor 1:28-30a 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the
despised things—and the things that are not —to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God . . .