The Change of Christian Pre-Service Early Childhood Teachers through Development of Bible-Based Early Childhood Language Education Activities

The purpose of this study is to explore the development of language education of Christian early childhood education by exploring the change of pre-Christian preschool teachers through the development of biblical language education activities. Interviews, surveys, action plans, and reflections of 19 Christian education students who participated in the development of bible-based language education activities for children based on the language of early childhood language, were conducted from September 3 to December 28, 2018. The data were collected through a portfolio. By analyzing the collected data, the key categories were derived and categorized. For the objectification of data analysis and interpretation, two thematic and early childhood education specialists were identified. As a result, the preparatory Christian teacher experience for the development of bible-based langage education activities for young children was categorized into cognitive change, personality change and practical change. First, through the development of bible-based early childhood language education activities, Christian pre-service early childhood teachers have brought cognitive changes as ‘processes not outcomes’, ‘integration not separation’, ‘living non-curriculum’ and ‘meaning not effect’. In developing bible-based language education activities for young children, Christian pre-service early childhood teachers experienced a cognitive change in the ‘process of language education activities’ rather than the developmental achievements and results of early childhood language education. Christian pre-service early childhood teachers recognized the necessity of ‘integration of listening-speaking-reading-writing’, not the separation of early childhood language education. They recognized the importance of ‘informal language education in kindergarten life’, as well as teacher-centered formal language education. In addition, they have made a cognitive change that ‘child-centered meaningful language education experience’ is more important than the effectiveness of early childhood language education. Second, in developing bible-based language education activities for young children, Christian pre-service early childhood teachers showed personality changes as ‘confident teachers’, ‘professional teachers’, and ‘teachers with reflective thoughts and attitudes’. Finally, in developing bible-based language education activities for young children, Christian pre-service early childhood teachers recognized the power of positive language and practiced it to form habits of using the right language and to link Christian education with early childhood education. Through the development of bible-based language education activities for young children, Christian pre-service early childhood teachers are equipped with the heart attitude and enthusiasm required to become true early childhood teachers for young children in unpredictable educational conditions and rapidly changing educational realities. Teacher efficacy has improved. In the future, it is expected that various teacher education programs linking Christian education and early childhood education will be continuously and systematically implemented.