Abstracts for Session 1A

"Christian Practices as Counter Discourse: Foucault, Barth, and the Discourse of Higher Education," Jason Lief (Dordt College)

Abstract
The philosophical thought of Michael Foucault explores the power relations imbedded within modern institutions, and the discourse that establishes and legitimizes such structures.  An examination of modern schooling structures, including institutions of higher education, reveals imbedded power relationships at work disciplining and shaping the identity of young people, legitimized by the discourses of consumerism and technicism.  This paper argues that Karl Barth’s Christological understanding of anthropology provides an important theological framework for understanding the Christian practices as a form of counter discourse to the structures of higher education and to the discourses of consumerism and technicism which legitimize these structures.

"Motivation and Excellence in Christian Practice: Towards Expanding Craig Dykstra's Application of Alasdair MacIntyre's Concept of Practice to Christian Education," Tibor Szedlak (Union - PSCE)

Abstract
This essay argues for recognizing external goods and the idea of excellence as elements of Christian practices. Giving room to external goods results in a deeper understanding of the motives and goals of participating in Christian practices that calls for a self-critical examination of teaching and learning and informs the educational praxis as well. A critical application of the idea of excellence to Christian practices is helpful in understanding the process of making progress in, and the social dynamics of these practices. Both are foundational elements of assessment, which has to be intentionally integrated with the teaching-learning process.

"Spiritual Practices that Sustain the Virtues of Excellent Teaching," Keven Gary & Robert Reyes (Goshen College)

Abstract
Martin Haberman notes seven dimensions or virtues of excellent teachers of diverse and low-income students. In this paper we seek to complement and expand upon Haberman’s work, identifying spiritual practices that help nurture and sustain the realization of these virtues.

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Abstracts for Session 1B

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