Constructivist or Christian: A Mixed-Methods Examination of Teacher Purposes and Practices at Mennonite Schools

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: Religious Identity and Literacy: The Impact on Teachers and Teaching

Abstract

Historically there has been debate among private, religious preK-12 schools about their purpose in educating children. The Mennonites, a historic peace church with roots in the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century, began forming schools a hundred years ago. This study surveyed teachers at Mennonite schools to understand the confluence of their instructional practices, religious beliefs, and philosophy of Mennonite education. In total, 375 teachers from 17 schools scattered across the United States and Canada completed and returned surveys. Mixed methods analysis shows a connection between religious beliefs and instructional practices while indicating consistent themes among most teachers regarding the purpose of Mennonite education.

Authors

• Paul J. Yoder, Eastern Mennonite University

• Peter Wiens, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Annie Chou, University of Nevada - Las Vegas