Faith-Based Education That Constructs
A Creative Dialogue between Contructivism and Faith-Based Education
by HeeKap Lee
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
Constructivism is everywhere. It is a hot issue at this time in the field of philosophy, education, technology, and religion. However, can constructivism be an alternative approach in faith-based education? While some conclude that Jesus knew learning was an active knowledge-creating process, and that he always encouraged his disciples to think deeply and go beyond the surface level, others would find that constructivism undercuts faith-based education because of its claims to relativity. For example, constructivists claim that meaning is imposed on the world by us rather than existing in the world independently from us. Thus, they proclaim that truth is relative to particular times, places, and people. Christians hold that truth does exist absolutely. So how can there be a way forward for faith-based educators who see the good in the constructivist approach?
In Faith-Based Education that Constructs readers will find a unique approach whereby constructivism may appropriately be applied to a faith-based education setting. Although disagreement can occur between constructivism and faith-based education, this book concludes that constructivist thought and Christian faith-based education are, in the end, congruent and harmonious in significant ways. Those faith-based educators who continue to hold cautionary views of radical constructivist assertions against absolute truths need not disregard all other aspects of constructivism.
HeeKap Lee is Associate Professor in Teacher Education at Azusa Pacific University. He is the editor of Teaching with Compassion, Competence, Commitment, a Christian teacher education journal.
"Constructivism's relativistic and humanistic philosophical base has led some to reject even the helpful insights of this approach to teaching and learning. Faith-Based Education That Constructs is a book that may help us to understand constructivism well enough so we do not 'throw out the baby with the bathwater.' The wide experience, impressive credentials, and eminent credibility of the authors are reason enough to recommend the book to any Christian educator."
--Phil Bassett
Director of Teacher Training
International Schools of China
"Educational theory presented in North American schools of education has centered on constructivism in this present generation. HeeKap Lee and his colleagues present a number of diverse views in examining the interactions between constructivism and faith-based education in a meaningful way. This work will be useful for faculty members and students alike in exploring the relationships and tension that exists between worldview, faith, and educational theory."
--Scot Headley
President, International Community of Christians in Teacher Education
"This book is destined to be the foundational doctrine of twenty-first-century teaching and learning. It spans major sectors of education: K-12, postsecondary, secular, and non-secular education, juxtaposing traditional elements of education with futuristic trends and bridging the gap between the two. The writings firmly suggest that Jesus' constructivist approach can establish multi-generational learning that effectively addresses present day issues of on-line education, problem-based learning, and assessment."
--Helen Easterling Williams
Dean, School of Education
Azusa Pacific University
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