Degree Name

BA

Department

Philosophy

College

Humanities

Defense Date

2025-11-25

Publication Date

2025-12-15

First Faculty Advisor

Isaac Calvert

First Faculty Reader

Keith Vorkink

Honors Coordinator

Ryan Christensen

Keywords

gospel methodology, pedagogy, curriculum design, becoming BYU, teaching, learning

Abstract

This thesis outlines the principles of teaching and learning found within Envisioning BYU, Volume 1: Foundations and Dreams, a collection of foundational texts on education at Brigham Young University (BYU). In doing so, this thesis addresses a gap in internal university discourse about how to apply “gospel methodology” to teaching and learning at BYU. This study aims to elucidate these principles based on the assumption they may be of philosophical and practical value within BYU, as well as higher education more generally. In order to identify the salient teaching and learning principles found within Foundations, I conducted a qualitative textual analysis. I began with a preliminary analysis of the text, created an initial list of salient passages thematically related to educative principles, and then conducted secondary, tertiary, and quaternary analyses that further honed these salient themes into core teaching and learning practices. This process unveiled five major teaching and learning principles

within Foundations. These themes are: a framework for a BYU education; teaching with the Spirit; BYU’s faithful approach, relationships of love, and active learning. By highlighting these core principles and practices, this research contributes to a deeper comprehension of BYU’s educational philosophy, as well as provides practical suggestions to pedagogy, curriculum design, and educational policy across the university.

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