The Gift of the Stranger: Faith, Hospitality, and Foreign Language Learning

by David I. Smith, Barbara Carvill (Contributor)

This is a   book and is therefore non- returnable.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Teaching, Language

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2000

About the author

I started out as a secondary school foreign language teacher in England. I quickly became intrigued by the ways in which implicit beliefs and values shaped the materials and ways of teaching that I experienced in classrooms. That theme has become my career-long research project. Most of my books have something to do with how faith gets expressed in classrooms. I now direct a research institute focused on how Christian faith relates to education as well as being involved in teacher education at Calvin College as an education professor. I serve as senior editor of the International Journal of Christianity and Education, and travel widely to work with schools and universities on faculty development. I have also been involved in shaping some online curriculum projects at http://www.whatiflearning.com and http://www.teachfastly.com.

Reviews

[Syd Enslen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for my Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages I and II courses, and it was really informative! It does a good job putting Christian worldview into ESL teaching practices. I will say, a lot of the book is pretty theoretical, and it lacks curriculum and classroom applications until pretty much the last chapter, which is short and sweet. But it accomplishes its purpose, and it was enjoyable and interesting to read.

[Christian Cha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fantastic quotes. Ending got a bit boring. Recommended, but not a have-to read

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Christian foreign language teacher, my most perplexing question has been, “how do I incorporate a Christian worldview into my classes?” This book answers the question, at least in part.

[Matt Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed the way I thought about teaching and interacting in another culture. It's another great read for any language teacher who believes in Christ and comes anywhere close to saying the words "just a teacher", as well as for anyone who questions God's love and purpose for diversity.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a supplemental textbook for my ESL methods grad class. I've only read one chapter so far, but I am really liking the focus and the Biblical look at language/culture teaching and interaction.