How can Christian educators teach effectively within a culture not their own? In what sense is teaching part of the Great Commission? These questions are being asked more and more often in our increasingly global community.
In the opening chapter of Teaching Cross-Culturally, Judith Lingenfelter recounts two contrasting teaching experiences she had early in her career. First, she taught junior high students in a rough urban setting near Pittsburgh. Next, she taught elementary students at a school on the small island of Yap in the Western Pacific. Both experiences, she discovered, were examples of cross-cultural teaching.
Teaching Cross-Culturally is designed to complement Sherwood Lingenfelter’s highly successful Ministering Cross-Culturally. It takes similar insights and applies them specifically to an educational setting. It also guides readers with little understanding of cross-cultural challenges in ministry and helps them see how cultural sensitivity and effective teaching are inseparably linked. Chapters include discussions about how to uncover cultural biases, how to address intelligence and learning styles, and teaching for biblical transformation.

Applause for an interestingly written teaching guide that encapsulates an extraordinary amount of scarce information under one cover! Drawing on decades of research and experience, the authors identify sources of bewilderment for both teachers and learners, then suggest a wealth of practical techniques with which to meet the challenges. Lessons learned during my years in non-western classrooms confirm the wisdom of these recommendations. Here is a ‘must read’ book for all cross-cultural instructors, whether novices or seasoned practitioners.–Patricia M. Davis, international literacy and education consultant, Summer Institute of Linguistics, Dallas, Texas

What a delight to read a book that helps to address one of the most important and most neglected needs in world missions. Christ’s Commission is much broader than reaching the unreached. Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations through teaching. Each person teaching in another culture will benefit from the principles and examples in this book.-Jim Plueddemann, international director, SIM (Serving In Mission)