Preparing Faculty to Integrate Faith Traditions: Does Christian Higher Education Provide an Advantage?

• In Event: 72.064 - Roundtable Session 29
  In Roundtable Session: 72.064-10 - Faculty and Student Faiths in Higher Education

Abstract

Christian denominational institutions rely greatly on faculty to pass on faith integration thinking to students and to guide institutional purpose. However, despite assertions of the benefits of Christian higher education, empirical evidence is lacking. Mixed methods findings from a survey of CCCU faculty (n=2,313) show that those prepared at Christian institutions across all degree levels are more confident in their ability to connect their faith tradition to course objectives than peers trained at secular institutions. Qualitative findings further illuminate the categorical differences in faith integration sense making of faculty trained at Christian versus secular college and universities. Although differences are evident, similarities suggest that apparent advantages of Christian higher education may not be as dramatic as proponents often claim.

Author

• Nathan Alleman, Baylor University