Dr. David I. Smith

Professor,
Director, Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning
Coordinator, De Vries Institute for Global Faculty Development

Biography

I began my career teaching French, German, and Russian in public secondary schools in the United Kingdom, where I became fascinated by the question of how our beliefs, values, and commitments can shape and guide our approaches to teaching and learning. After graduate work in philosophical theology, philosophy of education, and curriculum studies I moved to Calvin. I serve as the founding Director of the Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning and inaugural coordinator of the De Vries Institute for Global Faculty Development, as well as teaching in the education program. I also serve as Editor of the International Journal of Christianity and Education. I am regularly involved nationally and internationally in professional development for schools, colleges, and universities, especially focusing on the connection between faith and teaching. I have received Calvin University’s Award for Innovative Teaching as well as its From Every Nation Award for Excellence in Teaching. You can find out more about what I do at onchristianteaching.com.

Education

BA University of Oxford, UK (Honors)
PGCE University of Nottingham, UK
MPhilF Institute for Christian Studies, Toronto, Canada
PhD Institute of Education, University of London, UK
(Dissertation: Modern language pedagogy, spiritual development and Christian faith: A study of their interrelationships)

Academic Interests

Christianity and education in both P-12 and higher education.
The relationship between Christian practices and pedagogical practices.
The role of theologically informed metaphors in education.
Foreign language pedagogy, particularly in relation to moral and spiritual development and Christian philosophy of education.
The thought of John Amos Comenius, the 17th century educator.
Digital technology and learning, especially in the context of Christian education.