Faith integration in STEM courses for undergraduates: Exemplars of pedagogical practices

Abstract

In his book On Christian Teaching, David Smith offers multiple ways in which one’s Christian faith commitments influence pedagogical practices. Specific examples are drawn from the humanities, particularly from languages and literature. Some may conclude that such discussions are less appropriate in areas such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We disagree and offer exemplars aligned with a set of six curricular criteria identified by Wayne Au. We argue that these exemplars emerge naturally from our Christian beliefs and are “faith-influenced” even if not every strategy embodies a narrower integration of faith and pedagogy.

Munus triplex: A pedagogical application of a theological concept

“…It seems that this subject is so objective and abstract that it neither touches the priestly attitude of the teacher, nor the broken reality of life in this world. It appears, however, that even this subject can be treated in a priestly way (Klanderman et al 2022). For example, in teaching mathematics, we can show students how immense the distances were that refugees travelled by foot.…”