Exploring the Spiritual Formation of Generation Z Students in Christian Schools: A Reflective Journey
This reflective narrative chronicles a transformative journey of an educator’s experience teaching in a private Christian school and the subsequent pursuit of research on the spiritual formation of Generation Z students. Drawing upon Dewey’s notion of reflection and a comprehensive review of the lit...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Grand Canyon University
2024-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Scholarly Engagement |
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| Online Access: | https://scholarlyengagement.com/administration/documents/volume_7_issue_1_june_2024/24cirt0003_jse_june30_book_yoder_finalpdf |
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| author | Amy Yoder, EdD |
| author_facet | Amy Yoder, EdD |
| author_sort | Amy Yoder, EdD |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This reflective narrative chronicles a transformative journey of an educator’s experience teaching in a private Christian school and the subsequent pursuit of research on the spiritual formation of Generation Z students. Drawing upon Dewey’s notion of reflection and a comprehensive review of the literature and spiritual development theories, the author examines why students in Christian schools identify teachers as the primary influence in their spiritual formation. This reflection explores the complexity of spiritual development, the challenges posed by Generation Z students’ digital native characteristics, and the feelings of inadequacy among teachers in fostering spiritual formation. Guided by Greenberger’s reflective framework and Dewey’s principle of continuity, the author aims to deepen her understanding of students’ perceptions and cultivate confidence and aptitude in supporting students’ spiritual growth. The analysis highlights teachers’ multifaceted roles as trusted confidants, mentors, role models, and spiritual guides, transcending the boundaries of academic instruction. The reflective practice findings emphasize the authenticity and modeling of faith by teachers and relationship building, which creates a powerful environment where students observe and internalize the practical application of Christian principles. Additionally, the study considers the varying stages of faith among students and the need for teachers to adapt their roles and approaches accordingly. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-8cdeb5334cd1417f8f498eddd4e32c15 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2690-7283 2690-7291 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-06-01 |
| publisher | Grand Canyon University |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Scholarly Engagement |
| spelling | doaj-art-8cdeb5334cd1417f8f498eddd4e32c152024-11-26T18:12:36ZengGrand Canyon UniversityJournal of Scholarly Engagement2690-72832690-72912024-06-017182510.9743/jse.2024.7.1.2Exploring the Spiritual Formation of Generation Z Students in Christian Schools: A Reflective JourneyAmy Yoder, EdD0Northwest Christian School This reflective narrative chronicles a transformative journey of an educator’s experience teaching in a private Christian school and the subsequent pursuit of research on the spiritual formation of Generation Z students. Drawing upon Dewey’s notion of reflection and a comprehensive review of the literature and spiritual development theories, the author examines why students in Christian schools identify teachers as the primary influence in their spiritual formation. This reflection explores the complexity of spiritual development, the challenges posed by Generation Z students’ digital native characteristics, and the feelings of inadequacy among teachers in fostering spiritual formation. Guided by Greenberger’s reflective framework and Dewey’s principle of continuity, the author aims to deepen her understanding of students’ perceptions and cultivate confidence and aptitude in supporting students’ spiritual growth. The analysis highlights teachers’ multifaceted roles as trusted confidants, mentors, role models, and spiritual guides, transcending the boundaries of academic instruction. The reflective practice findings emphasize the authenticity and modeling of faith by teachers and relationship building, which creates a powerful environment where students observe and internalize the practical application of Christian principles. Additionally, the study considers the varying stages of faith among students and the need for teachers to adapt their roles and approaches accordingly.https://scholarlyengagement.com/administration/documents/volume_7_issue_1_june_2024/24cirt0003_jse_june30_book_yoder_finalpdfreflective practicechristian educationspiritual formationgeneration zwesterhoff |
| spellingShingle | Amy Yoder, EdD Exploring the Spiritual Formation of Generation Z Students in Christian Schools: A Reflective Journey Journal of Scholarly Engagement reflective practice christian education spiritual formation generation z westerhoff |
| title | Exploring the Spiritual Formation of Generation Z Students in Christian Schools: A Reflective Journey |
| title_full | Exploring the Spiritual Formation of Generation Z Students in Christian Schools: A Reflective Journey |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the Spiritual Formation of Generation Z Students in Christian Schools: A Reflective Journey |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the Spiritual Formation of Generation Z Students in Christian Schools: A Reflective Journey |
| title_short | Exploring the Spiritual Formation of Generation Z Students in Christian Schools: A Reflective Journey |
| title_sort | exploring the spiritual formation of generation z students in christian schools a reflective journey |
| topic | reflective practice christian education spiritual formation generation z westerhoff |
| url | https://scholarlyengagement.com/administration/documents/volume_7_issue_1_june_2024/24cirt0003_jse_june30_book_yoder_finalpdf |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT amyyoderedd exploringthespiritualformationofgenerationzstudentsinchristianschoolsareflectivejourney |