Proleptic Pedagogy

Could we have imagined how much theological education would change in the new millennium? Shifting needs of students, classrooms, and churches have demanded constant revisions of the curriculum, course design, classroom technology, and pedagogical strategies. Saint Paul School of Theology felt the tide of change within our own walls and designed a project called "Proleptic Pedagogy" to address three distinct pedagogical challenges for the future of theological education. First, instead of fitting new technologies into old pedagogies, how are teaching and learning transformed by shifting needs of students who are "digital natives," "digital immigrants," or distance learners? Second, instead of reactive strategies, what pedagogy proactively eliminates "accommodations" because courses are designed with flexibility and openness to diverse learning styles, disabilities, and needs? Third, instead of engaging student diversity with the tools of the 1960s, what new teaching and learning strategies anticipate future student racial and ethnic demographics and interracial educational experiences? This volume of essays narrates our classroom stories, teases out pedagogical issues, examines pedagogical literature, reflects on theology of pedagogy, and constructs pedagogical proposals--with an open invitation for other theological educators to join our conversation about the future of theological education.

What is Christian adult learning? What questions are raised when Christian faith and learning meet? Many existing approaches primarily address issues such as curriculum content or teacher character. Building on the work of John Hull, Disruptive Inclusion approaches the intersection of theology and pedagogy suggesting that the christianness of Christian adult learning is best expressed by the posture adopted by learners, not only via what is taught and by whom. Specifically, Jen Smith claims that a key to Christian adult learning posture is how learners include the unexpected and disruptive in their learning. Drawing on key resources, such as the biblical narrative, Christian tradition, liturgy, community and her own experiences, Jen takes us on a deeply personal and practical journey into disruptive inclusion and invites us to re-imagine what effective Christian adult learning might look like in the classroom, pulpit and online learning settings.

The A–Z Resource on Instructional Systems Design Modern, adaptable, flexible, timeless. Instructional systems design (ISD) is more relevant than ever and critical for organizational success. ISD is used by education and training professionals worldwide, with billions of dollars a year spent on designing and implementing training. Given such high stakes, organizations need the best training product available, and educational programs need the best textbook for cultivating professionals in this field. Introduction to Instructional Systems Design is just that resource. This book provides comprehensive instruction for professors, instructors, and students of ISD who seek a professional and proven design method in an academic foundation. Written by long-time professor and practitioner of instructional design Chuck Hodell, this is a through line to his earlier bestselling volume ISD From the Ground Up and offers an even greater practicality with a strong theoretical base to answer the questions of why designers do what they do. In chapters that detail the building blocks of instructional design, the ADDIE process, and advanced ISD processes such as determining criticality and content mastery, Hodell creates a guided learning experience with discussion questions and case studies to prompt deeper reflection. Preparing learners for digital learning and adapting in-classroom courses for remote learning are a particular focus, and Hodell provides an overview of career options and development. Perfect for professors and instructors, this textbook also includes an instructor’s guide.

In this text, the author brings Vygotskian theory to bear on the current issues of diversity, difference and inclusion in the classroom.

APTS Press is privileged to offer this festschrift honoring Dr. Kay Fountain, who for more than twenty years has served the Lord at the Asia Pacific Theological Seminary (APTS), in Baguio City, Philippines, first as a student, then as a faculty member and finally as the Academic Dean. Our hope is that this book will reflect her passion for teaching and understanding the Old Testament, which has instilled in her students that kind of passion for the ministry as well. From the Foreword

God’s interest in the entirety of our existence and the details of his creation is quite rightly lauded by professing Christians, including those involved in theological education. But what impact does this biblical truth have on the way in which theological education is conducted? Critics are increasingly bringing attention to the shortcomings of theological education in this regard. In this thorough examination of the issue of holistic practices throughout the operations of theological institutions, Dr Jessy Jaison provides sage and actionable solutions where others have merely observed systemic weaknesses. Jaison has applied her expertise and experience of twenty-five years in theological education in India to dissect the issues, diagnose the symptoms and prescribe a way forward that will lead to stronger leaders practicing healthier ministry in God’s Kingdom for those who have ears to hear.

In most parts of the world and especially where Christianity is flourishing, Pentecostal and charismatic movements predominate. What would it look like for the Western world—beset by the narrative of decline—to participate in this global Spirit-driven movement? According to Amos Yong, it all needs to start with the way we approach theological education. Renewing the Church by the Spirit makes the case for elevating pneumatology in Christian life, allowing the Spirit to reinvigorate church and mission. Yong shows how this approach would attend to both the rapidly deinstitutionalizing forms of twenty-first-century Christianity and the pressing need for authentic spiritual experiences that marks contemporary religious life. He begins with a broad assessment of our postmodern, post-Enlightenment, post-Christendom ecclesial context, before moving into a detailed outline of how a Spirit-filled approach to theological education—its curriculum, pedagogy, and scholarship—can meet the ecclesial and missional demands of this new age.

Just Schools examines the challenges and possibilities for building more equitable forms of collaboration among non-dominant families, communities, and schools. The text explores how equitable collaboration entails ongoing processes that begin with families and communities, transform power, build reciprocity and agency, and foster collective capacity through collective inquiry. These processes offer promising possibilities for improving student learning, transforming educational systems, and developing robust partnerships that build on the resources, expertise, and cultural practices of non-dominant families. Based on empirical research and inquiry-driven practice, this book describes core concepts and provides multiple examples of effective practices. “This is the most compelling work to date on school and community engagement. It will be required reading for all my future classes.” —Muhammad Khalifa, University of Minnesota “Full of practical steps that educators and administrators can and must take to build strong collaborations with families.” —Mark R. Warren, University of Massachusetts Boston “This important publication provides a way forward for educators, families, students and community members to co-create “Just Schools” by honoring, validating, and celebrating each other’s knowledge, skills, power and resources.” —Karen Mapp, Harvard Graduate School of Education