#12: The Art and Science of Being an Excellent Student

Welcome to another edition of the College Faith podcast, sponsored by Global Scholars. My guest today is Dr. Perry Glanzer, Professor of Education at Baylor University. In this episode we discuss the ins and outs of being an excellent student, which goes far beyond just earning good grades.   Perry earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California, and is Baylor’s Professor of Educational Foundations, as well as a Resident Scholar with Baylor’s Institute for Studies in Religion. He has authored, co-authored, or edited a number of important books on the integration of biblical truth and academic studies, including Christianity and Scholarship in Higher Education. In addition, he has published over 75 journal articles and book chapters on topics related to moral education, faith-based higher education, and the relationship between faith and scholarship. Perry is also the current Editor-in-Chief of Christian Scholar’s Review. In this podcast we discuss: Why it is important for Christian students to focus on excellence, rather than rules  How Christian students will benefit by reading his book Identity in Action: Christian Excellence in All of Life What being a good student involves (beyond just getting good grades)Unique challenges Christian students face in being good students The relationship between pursuing excellence and understanding one’s callingWhat steps a student can take to become excellence (beyond just “following the rules”)Learning how to really read--the three levels of readingHow to think well and biblically about the issues discussed in classes and textbooks--”Christian critical thinking”A Case Study: Christian critical thinking and Critical Race TheoryA Case Study: Christian critical thinking and Economic theory How Christian critical thinking is contrary to modern educational philosophy, and how Christian students can swim against this tide  Ways to find mentors among Christian professors in one’s major Why Christian students should consider joining a Christian professional society  Is the cost of college worth it?Perry’s experience teaching in RussiaThe role of our identity in Christ and his grace in the journey toward excellence  Resources mentioned during our conversation: Perry Glanzer, Identity in Action: Christian Excellence in All of LifeMortimer Adler and Charles VanDoren, How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent ReadingRon Blue, Master Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment“How To Get Better Grades and Have More Fun,” College Faith Episode #9 with Dr. Philip BishopChristian Scholar’s ReviewChristian professional societies Christian Scholar’s Review Bibliography on integrating faith and academic disciplinesChristian Scholar’s Review Blog on integrating faith and academic disciplines Mike Metzger, Sequencing: Deciphering Your Company’s DNA (“Ought-Is-Can-Will”)Global Scholars Christian Legal SocietyChristian Medical and Dental AssociationsNurses Christian FellowshipAlasdair MacIntyre, After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory