Christian Belief and English Language Teaching : A Case Study of Christian English Teachers in Thailand
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate influences and correlations between the Christian faith and English language teaching of Missionaries in Thailand. A research question explores the religious statements leading Evangelical Christian teachers to integrate their Christian faith into their classroom practices. Ten missionary teachers in a Christian language school in Bangkok were selected for this investigation. Data were obtained by semi-structure interviews supported by classroom observations. Data Analysis results have shown three emergent themes influencing the participant teachers to integrate their Christian faith into teaching. These themes are divine mission (sharing faith with the world), divine creation of humans and divine calling (purpose in life).This research illuminates the interrelationship of teacher's personal religious beliefs and their classroom practices as well as enhances understanding of the intersections of Christian faith and language teaching in Thailand.
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