Transformational Teaching - by Kenneth S Coley & Martha E Maccullough & Deborah L Maccullough (Paperback)

About the Book

Transformational Teaching by Kenneth Coley, Martha MacCullough, and Debbie MacCullough provides a comprehensive, Christ-centered introduction to instructional design and effective teaching. It will be useful for education courses, teachers-in-training, and experienced teachers who want to elevate their pedagogy from a Christian framework.

Book Synopsis

Comprehensive and up-to-date, Transformational Teaching provides a survey of instructional design and effective pedagogy that incorporates a biblical worldview throughout, making it especially useful for education courses at Christian colleges, Christian teachers who desire further training or ACSI certification, and homeschooling parents using a faith-based curriculum.

The book explores philosophical and psychological foundations underlying teaching approaches, interprets the latest findings in neurological and educational research, and weaves InTASC standards throughout select chapters. Additionally, the final section is devoted to specific disciplines to offer strategies for effective teaching and faith integration in each subject area.

Most chapters also feature a worldview foundations section, current research on best practices, case studies, and challenges for reflection and application.

Written by authors with more than a century of combined teaching experience, including K-12 classrooms in both public and Christian schools, higher education, online instruction, and international training conferences, Transformational Teaching sets a new standard for teacher training that is specifically geared to a Christian educator.

Review Quotes

"Transformational Teaching is a valuable reference for those working in Christian schools. It is filled with practical and meaningful questions, ideas, and tools needed to guide Christian school leaders in their challenges for the future. This book provides school administrators a thorough awareness and understanding of their critical roles and responsibilities in leading their schools and staff. It's a great resource for establishing the school's philosophy on education and Christian school instruction. I highly recommend this book to everyone involved in Christian education."
--Susan Banke, director of graduate leadership, Gordon College

"Transformational Teaching is an education degree distilled into one book. Starting from the foundation of a biblical worldview essential for Christian educators, the authors cover key aspects, including learning and brain theory, instructional design, classroom discipline, diversity, and community. While our foundation stays the same, strategies must adapt and improve based on current research and a growing understanding of how God created people to learn, grow, and function in community. Get ready to be inspired and refreshed, as God will use this book to encourage, motivate, and teach you as a lifelong learner and educator."
--Ellen Lowrie Black, professor of education, Liberty University, and board member, Network of International Christian Schools

"Transformational Teaching is a must-read for all Christian educators and soon-to-be educators who desire to give their students an education with an eternal perspective. As an educational consultant serving Christian schools across Europe, I see a great need among Christian educators to have a well-developed Christian worldview effectively applied to all areas of teaching and learning. This book instructs and effectively engages the reader to grow and become successful in designing instructional approaches that are coherent and consistent with a Christian worldview, resulting in transformation in the learner."
--László Demeter, Europe regional director, Association of Christian Schools International

"This is a timely publication that is a must read for every person associated with teaching in Christian school at all levels. The research for this book is spot-on, and the authors certainly have the experience in Christian education to add their wisdom to the content. This is a practical resource that should be used daily in every instructional setting."
--Tim Heaton, professor emeritus of the School of Education, Cedarville University

"This book is the most thorough presentation of biblically based education that I've read in my 42 years of Christian school leadership. It covers a broad range of logically sequenced topics, from Christian education's unique philosophical foundations through current best practices for teaching and learning, to biblical integrated curriculum and lesson planning. This book is not only an 'essential read' for Christian classroom teachers and Christian home schoolers today, but it also contains the kind of resources that can be used again and again for the benefit of educators and their students for years to come."
--Mark A. Kennedy, retired director of ACSI Eastern Canada and senior consultant, Paideia Inc.

"Although clearly intended as a textbook for college students beginning their vocation as schoolteachers, this book merits careful reading by parents of schoolchildren and other non-professional educators. Like those prospective teachers, they too need to know and differentiate among various educational philosophies and methods--especially if parents wish to sharpen their critique of the schools in which they enroll their children and the instruction those children are receiving."
--D. Bruce Lockerbie, chairman/chief executive officer, Paideia Inc.

"Master craftsmen recognize the importance of building on a solid foundation. The authors of Transformational Teaching demonstrate mastery of their craft by producing a resource that purposefully develops educators of all backgrounds and skill levels from a Christian worldview foundation. This scholarly work presents the most up-to-date research in the field of education in a way that is both approachable and engaging."
--Max Stabenow, assistant professor of Christian education, Gateway Seminary

"I don't recall, if ever, reading such a complete book for a Christian educator. The coauthors' unique blend of experience is noteworthy and evident throughout the book. They masterfully lay the biblical and philosophical foundation for transformational teaching. Their transition from the philosophical foundation to the practical application of instructional design is seamless. Teaching students to think critically about subject matter through the lens of a biblical worldview is our opportunity and responsibility."
--Larry Taylor, president, Association of Christian Schools International

"This book made me excited about the way Christ-centered education can lead to transforming the lives of students. Is there anything we need more in this present age? It takes you on a journey of how to develop a biblical foundation on teaching and learning, from thinking to acting. Thinking biblically about human learning will assist you in the task of selecting models and methods that contribute to effective learning. Throughout the book you find moments that engage you practically and spiritually to make the transition to your curriculum, classroom, and students. Studying this book will pay off, no matter where you are in your career as a Christian educator. It will help to pass on to students the habit of thinking Christianly, after first being immersed yourself."
--Sjoerd van den Berg, teacher educator at Driestar Christian University for Teacher Education, the Netherlands

About the Author

Kenneth S. Coley (EdD, University of Maryland) is senior professor of Christian education and director of EdD studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Martha E. MacCullough (EdD, Temple University) is distinguished professor emeritus at Cairn University's School of Education.

Deborah L. MacCullough (PhD, Pennsylvania State University) is professor of mathematics and mathematics education at Cairn University.