Introduction
My first teaching experience was in a Christian school. In retrospect, I recognize that I taught in the same secular way as I had been taught when I was a public school student. What dictates the focus of the classroom is the degree to which the teacher reflects on their teaching and seeks to teach from a Christian world view. Van Brummelen (2009) notes that, "Christian teachers, in both public and Christian schools, often accept common approaches to curriculum without reviewing their world view roots. As a result, their teaching does not fully reflect Biblical views of knowledge, persons, and values." (p. 67).
I am currently teaching in a Christian school and see how my focus on getting my students ready for the Advanced Placement exams has become a priority that replaces Christ in the classroom. I also recognize that I operate under a traditionalist teaching framework that does not modify instruction to fit the unique God given character of each student. Van Brummelen (2009) reminded me that, "Traditionalists often fail to have students unfold and interpret knowledge in ways that reflect the diversity of the unique students in their classrooms." (p. 71). I must take the unique God created personality of each of my students into consideration. If I view each student as uniquely and wonderfully made in the image of God, I will be having a Christ like influence on both my secular and Christian students.
Van Brummelen (2009) describes how, "Biblical love must also characterize the classroom itself. Teachers are attentive to the needs of their students. They are charitable persons who give students meaningful responsibilities in a setting where they nurture respect and support." (p. 76). My experience ...
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The goal of this book review on Engaging God’s World written by Cornelius Plantinga Jr. is to examine his ideas on redemption, vocation in the Kingdom of God, and to explore his thoughts on Christian education as described in the book’s epilogue. Cornelius Plantinga Jr. discusses several key notes regarding redemption, such as salvation. Vocation in the Kingdom of God is another subject he touches on in relation to the way God works within His Kingdom connecting us to the ‘King of Kings’ as his ambassadors on earth. Lastly, Plantinga explains his view on how Christian education is important to sustain ourselves, earth now, and the New Earth.
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In a Christ centered classroom the teacher would exemplify and incorporate the fruits of the spirit in their daily interaction with their students. The bible refers to the fruit of the spirit as the following: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). On the other hand, it is possible for a secular approach to also incorporate the fruits of the spirit in their class, but it would not be as easy to incorporate on a regular
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(Larry and Sue Richaards, 2011)” With this verse I think that everyone is created unique by God and had different learning capabilities and styles. For if we were created equal there would not be diverse spiritual gifts or even different eye colors. I also think that to truly incorporate a Christian worldview a teacher must be strive to be like Jesus in possess the Fruits of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit are “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23. (Larry and Sue Richaards, 2011) For children learn from their environment around them and in order to understand and gain knowledge fully they mimic the
First and foremost, I will always be focused on the fact that it is my responsibility as a teacher to “cause my students to learn”. I cannot teach my students content unless I have prayed and asked God for illumination and for an “appliers heart”. It is important that I understand the content and application before I teach this to my students which should result in a life change for them. Application is the main reason for God’s revelation and it is my responsibility to share this with my students. My ultimate goal is to illustrate how scripture can be used in daily
Teachers must create lessons to inspire their students to think and make decisions based on God 's principles. The school should foster an environment where the students realize what Christ has done for them and give them the desire to see others come to know Christ as their Savior. A good way to make this happen is to create diverse learning opportunities where students can learn about other cultures and environments where missionaries are working to reach people for the Lord. Basically, the purpose of Christian education is directing the process of human development toward godliness of character and action.
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