Becoming Teachers
Alumni Experiences of Faith Learning Integration in a Christian Teacher Education Institution
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.9744/aletheia.7.1.85-90Keywords:
alumni, Christian education, learning integration, teacherAbstract
This study aims to explore how alumni, now teachers, describe their experiences of faith learning integration in a teacher education institution. Qualitative research is chosen to provide a rich description of this study. The data was collected from interviews with six alumni of a Christian teacher education institution. The interview provides more in-depth information about the participants' experiences and offers insight into how individual experiences shape their understanding of faith and learning integration. The alumni described the integration of faith and learning throughout their study experiences. Their understanding of faith and learning integration was articulated using common terminology, capturing the essence of God’s Word as truth and source, and reflecting a holistic approach to education in their past studies. They shared how this integration was experienced across the curriculum and courses, teaching methodologies, institutional programs, and student activities, as well as teacher–student relationships. The analysis revealed several emerging themes including spiritual and identity formation, student learning experiences, Christian teacher capacity building, and central role of teachers. Future research should use longitudinal studies tracking teacher education students into their careers to examine how faith-learning integration evolves over time.
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