ERIC Number: ED559500
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 292
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-3032-9993-3
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
An Inquiry into the Transformative Learning Experience of Sunday School Teachers at Korean Evangelical Protestant Churches in Southern California
Kang, Jung Ja
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Biola University
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Rom. 12:2). Perspective transformation, central to the Christian life, remains a continuing crucial expectation of Christian education. This study explored the transformative learning experience of Sunday school teachers at Korean evangelical Protestant churches in Southern California. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Sunday school teachers have experienced transformative learning as a result of their volunteer services in church contexts. For this research, in-depth semi-structured interviews were employed with eighteen Sunday school teachers who experienced transformative learning. They were chosen from six Korean-American churches in Southern California. The participants were interviewed for 60-90 minutes, individually reflecting on their teaching and learning ministries, and openly sharing their experiences. After each data confirmation process, all collected data were analyzed by using the Nvivo 10 qualitative analysis program. Emerging categories and themes were examined to identify recurring themes. The findings from this research revealed that participants all experienced transformative learning as the result of their voluntary services in time with students, preparation, teaching, and events outside of the classroom. They were able to recognize that their perspectives and lives were transformed through their volunteering involvement. Participants perceived aspects of volunteer activities that either encouraged or discouraged their transformative learning. Also, they experienced transformed motivation from the beginning. When they confirmed God calling them as Sunday school teachers, motivation to stay in Sunday school ministry were increased. For further study, comparison research with Sunday school teachers who are teaching different age groups such as children, youth, and adults was suggested. The results of this study offered significant implications for the facilitation of transformative learning among Sunday school curriculum developers, supervisors, directors, and Korean churches as supportive agencies. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Transformative Learning, Christianity, Churches, Korean Americans, Religious Education, Spiritual Development, Volunteers, Semi Structured Interviews, Teaching Experience, Qualitative Research, Computer Software, Teacher Motivation, Curriculum Development, Supervisors, Teacher Attitudes
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A