Toward a Theology of Special Education


Book Description

"Professor, mentor, author, disability advocate, seminar leader around the world—Dr. David Anderson corralled his many talents and worldwide experiences to author this important book. The volume should prove invaluable to Christians concerned about disabilities, especially teachers. Without flinching, Dr. Anderson tackles the tough issues: How could a good and benevolent God permit disabled children? Are disabilities the result of sin? How does a Christian teacher of the disabled differ from secular counterparts? Especially helpful is his emphasis on the reflective teacher integrating faith and learning. Certainly this is a volume that belongs on the bookshelves of anyone concerned with disabilities." —Steven A. Kaatz PhD, Graduate Programs in Special Education, Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota "I have had the privilege of traveling with Dr. Anderson as he has taught the concepts addressed in this book to educators, pastors, and parents in a variety of countries. I've seen the material come alive as leaders discover the importance of thinking Christianly about disability. This book has the potential of impacting all readers in similar ways. Dr. Anderson challenges all of us to come to grips with a biblical worldview and then to live it out within our spheres of influence. Toward a Theology of Special Education thus encourages all readers to think Christianly about disability. Such thinking will then motivate us to care with God's care and to serve with God's concern for justice and compassion." —Dr. Richard Schoenert, pastor emeritus, Calvary Church, Roseville, Minnesota




Integrating Faith and Special Education


Book Description

There is an inherent connection between the Christian faith and special education. For example, both focus on the worth of the individual. Both also focus on fairness and on caring for, or helping, the weak. Similarly, both aim to equip and support others. This book helps the readers perceive this integral relationship that exists between the Christian faith and the special education discipline. This book utilizes the chapters that stem from real life professional experiences and scholarship of the contributors to model and encourage special education practice from a Christian faith angle. It is our view that special education practiced from this faith perspective will transform what is currently accepted as best practice, into a new system of special education experience that is wholesome, biblically-based, and characteristic of Shalom as wholeness (not just peace). Shalom in this sense has strong relevance in both the Christian faith and special education. The first three chapters highlight the connection between special education and Christian theology, and draw attention to the pivotal role worldview plays in being an effective special educator. The bulk of the body of the text looks at different aspects of instructional effectiveness in special education from a Christian faith perspective.




Integrating Faith and Special Education


Book Description

There is an inherent connection between the Christian faith and special education. For example, both focus on the worth of the individual. Both also focus on fairness and on caring for, or helping, the weak. Similarly, both aim to equip and support others. This book helps the readers perceive this integral relationship that exists between the Christian faith and the special education discipline. This book utilizes the chapters that stem from real life professional experiences and scholarship of the contributors to model and encourage special education practice from a Christian faith angle. It is our view that special education practiced from this faith perspective will transform what is currently accepted as best practice, into a new system of special education experience that is wholesome, biblically-based, and characteristic of Shalom as wholeness (not just peace). Shalom in this sense has strong relevance in both the Christian faith and special education. The first three chapters highlight the connection between special education and Christian theology, and draw attention to the pivotal role worldview plays in being an effective special educator. The bulk of the body of the text looks at different aspects of instructional effectiveness in special education from a Christian faith perspective.




On Christian Teaching


Book Description

Christian teachers have long been thinking about what content to teach, but little scholarship has been devoted to how faith forms the actual process of teaching. Is there a way to go beyond Christian perspectives on the subject matter and think about the teaching itself as Christian? In this book David I. Smith shows how faith can and should play a critical role in shaping pedagogy and the learning experience.







Educational Philosophy and Christian Pedagogy


Book Description

This work is intended for future teachers and practicing teachers who are pursuing further education, as well as secondary audiences including students of philosophy, future church educators, and clergy. The first part of the book traces developments in Philosophy of Education from Rousseau through the twentieth century. The second part describes Christian approaches to educational philosophy, including a chapter on special education. The Christian perspective is broad enough to appeal to Catholics as well as Protestants. Jacques Maritain represents the catholic perspective regarding educational philosophy, and Nicholas Wolterstorff represents the protestant point of view.




The Pedagogy of Shalom


Book Description

Based on the teachings of Jesus and a biblical foundation, this book presents a new framework for education and teaching, referred to as the shalom education model, that addresses four essential questions in education (why teach, what to teach, how to teach and who are teachers?). After explaining the theoretical background of shalom, the book investigates a range of contemporary educational issues including gender identity, bullying, disability, linguistic and cultural diversity, and social justice, and presents practical guidelines that can be applied to classroom teaching. The book also emphasizes the role of teachers as missional leaders who help students unlock their full potential.




Integrating Faith and Psychology


Book Description

Twelve notable psychologists relate their journeys as Christians who entered the field of psychology. They provide personal reflections on their spiritual, personal and professional journeys of interrelating their faith and profession. These stories inform, inspire and encourage us, especially those who are in the caregiving professions.




The Idea of a Christian College


Book Description

More than ten years after its publication in 1975, The Idea of a Christian College has become, in the prophetic words of Nicholas Wolterstorff, "a classic, a standard." Widely used by students, lay readers, teachers, and administrators, it provides a concise case for the Christian college and defines its distinctive mission and contribution. This revised edition is Holmes' response to the many professors and students who have read the work enthusiastically and urged the author to clarify certain ideas and to address further aspects of the overall subject. The author has extensively revised several chapters, has eliminated one-gender language, and has included two new chapters: "Liberal Arts as Career Preparation" and "The Marks of an Educated Person."--Back cover.




Curriculum Development for Gifted Education Programs


Book Description

Diverse learners with exceptional needs require a specialized curriculum that will help them to develop, socially and intellectually, in a way that traditional pedagogical practice is unable to fulfill. As educational technologies and theoretical approaches to learning continue to advance, so do the opportunities for exceptional children. Curriculum Development for Gifted Education Programs is a critical scholarly resource that examines the development of coursework for gifted and talented students. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics, such as constructivism, diversity responsive method, and teacher training, this book is geared towards academicians, researchers, gifted education teachers, supervisors, directors, and administrators.