Transforming Theological Education: A Practical Handbook for Integrative Learning

by Perry Shaw

For several decades concern has been expressed about the need for greater integration and contextual significance in the curricular design of theological education. In addition there has been a growing awareness of the role theological schools should play in strengthening the missional vision and practice of local churches. Since 2008 the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Lebanon has been engaged in an ongoing experiment in the design and implementation of an integrated and contextually driven curriculum. Drawing on lessons learned from this experience, and from the wider discourse currently taking place in higher education, Transforming Theological Education provides theoretical foundations and practical principles for purposeful curriculum design, as well as tools for integrated and contextually significant learning in the classroom.

Genres: Education

411 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2014

Reviews

[Brian Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! This book challenges the way we think about theological education. With years of experience training leaders cross-culturally, Shaw presents a manual for designing a seminary or Bible college. One does not need to agree with every single suggestion to receive the value of this unique book.

Simple outline of the book:

- Start with your philosophy (chs. 1-2).
- Continually evaluate (ch. 3)
- Focus on holistic learning (affective, behavioral, cognitive, ch. 4)
- Understand your hidden and null curricula (ch. 5)
- Integrate learning (rather than fragmented classes, ch. 6)
- Use non-classroom learning activities (ch. 7)
- Be committed to deep learning (ch. 8)
- How to design a syllabus (ch. 9)
- How to write a lesson (ch. 10)
- Ideas for creative teaching (chs. 11-12)
- Understand different learning styles (ch. 14)
- Rethink grading (ch. 15)
- How to be an excellent teacher (ch. 16)

[Roy Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply Challenging

The author nails down many of the weaknesses that I have seen over the decades in theological education. I think he does a good job of balancing the critique. As we would say in the states, he doesn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. He gives some really strong points to consider, especially for those who are teaching in an oral majority context. I know I glean several things in this book that I plan to use when teaching my classes.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed and helpful handbook for theological educators. This draws from a huge case study done at Shaw's institution (Arab Baptist Theological Seminary) and is thought-provoking for those who have grown up in the ivory tower of Western academia. I really appreciated Shaw's incorporation of historical values in theological education, cultural sensitivity and inquiry, and sociological research.

[Deb Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful.

[Mark Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best on theological education

Shaw's work is the most practical, we'll-researched and comprehensive book I've encountered on the subject. Not only does the book draw on contemporary research, it is also filled with examples... there's something here for education managers as well as educators. Highly recommended, should be compulsory reading for all theological educators in my view!