Teaching Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Learning and Teaching [Paperback]

Sherwood G. Lingenfelter (Author), Judith E. Lingenfelter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2003

Teaching Cross-Culturally guides readers with little understanding of cross-cultural challenges in ministry and helps them see how cultural sensitivity and effective teaching are inseparably linked. Topics include discussions about how to uncover cultural biases, how to address intelligence and learning styles, and teaching for biblical transformation. This book is designed to complement Sherwood Lingenfelter's highly successful Ministering Cross-Culturally.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Judith E. Lingenfelter (Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh) is associate professor of intercultural education at Biola University.

Sherwood G. Lingenfelter (Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh) is provost/senior vice president, dean of the School of World Mission, and professor of anthropology at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Baker Academic (June 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801026202
• ISBN-13: 978-0801026201
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #243,401 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous overview of Cross-Cultural Teaching, July 26, 2003

By 

Jean Marrapodi "Jean Marrapodi" (Providence, RI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Teaching Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Learning and Teaching (Paperback)

There's lots of books out there on teaching, and lots of books on multiculturalism, but FINALLY a book that addresses each area from the other's perspective! This book deals with the nuts and bolts of different cultures, but it also comes from an academic perspective, including the research and citations to back it up. Written by two PhDs with the practical knowledge to back up the scholarship, this gave me the answers I needed for working with my inner city/multicultural church groups. It's very readable, and reasonably priced. I'm delighted with it and recommend it highly.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for cross-cultural teachers, August 30, 2005

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Brian Fulthorp - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Teaching Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Learning and Teaching (Paperback)

Judith and Sherwood Lingenfelter's work Teaching Cross-Culturally seeks to accomplish four goals. The first is to help teachers understand their own culture of teaching and learning. The second is to help teachers become effective teachers in another culture by becoming good learners. The third goal is to help teachers reflect on cultural differences and conflicts with others by considering perspectives taught in Scripture and faith in Christ. The final goal reflects the others in that the Lingenfelter's want teachers to have fun and enjoy teaching in other cultures and feel like they are taking part in fulfilling the Great Commission.

One of the more helpful aspects of this book is it helps teachers to consider their own cultural biases and how those biases affect their teaching style in cultural settings different from their own. These cultural biases reflect not only one's family background but also one's own educational background. Cultural differences can be seen in a variety of settings ranging from the difference between an inner city school and a rural school to the difference between an American International School and a native school setting. This issue is important because many teachers don't fully realize how much their teaching styles are influenced by their own cultural backgrounds.

This book also helps the potential cross-cultural teacher to consider different learning styles and settings in non-western settings. One is reminded that in many non-western settings learning is often more of a community event than an individual pursuit. So, one needs to understand the role of a teacher in these kinds of setting will differ based on where they are. The Lingenfelter's also help teachers re-evaluate their expectations and consider which may be valid and which are false. Too many false expectations lead to negative teaching experiences.

To teach effectively in a cross-cultural situation then is to learn about the culture one is in and then adapt one's teaching style to that culture. This is reflected in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ who set the ultimate example of adapting to different cultural situations to most effectively reach those around him. The potential cross-cultural teacher needs to follow the example Christ set before them.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Incarnational Teaching, April 27, 2009

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Isaac Hayes (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Teaching Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Learning and Teaching (Paperback)

Teaching Cross-Culturally was written for people like me who enjoy lecture style learning and teaching. As a graduate student in Moody Bible Institute's MDiv program, I certainly understand the missiological concept of "incarnation". However, incarnational teaching is not limited to transcontinental missions; it can take place right on the South Side of Chicago.

The Lingenfelter's create disequilibrium for traditional forms of teaching that keep the instructor glued behind the lectern. Becoming an incarnational teacher may actually place you at the kitchen table of your student's home. At the least, it is certainly a relational model that allows teachers to develop curricula that is tailored to the culture in which he/she ministers.

Furthermore, the goal of becoming a "150-percent person" strikes a delicate balance in stretching the teacher and students without having either relinquishing their cultural identities.

I would strongly recommend you read this book if you are interested in teaching diverse groups of people. It will help you delve into the culture outside of the stated curriculum as you examine the social types and teacher roles that transpire within the classroom.