Teachers of LinkedIn: I want you to think of an amazing program or lesson plan you have written or used. What made it so “amazing”? I can almost guarantee that your answer involves your students.
Perhaps it was the joy they expressed as they discovered new ideas. Perhaps it was the discussions evoked. Perhaps you engaged that one student you have been tirelessly trying to reach.
My point is we teach to and for our students. So, Christian teachers, is your faith proactively and authentically embedded in your teaching programs? Do they reflect your desire to see all students in relationship with Jesus?
In this Insight Session, Peter Muddle began equipping us with an understanding of how to authentically bring our faith into our classrooms. Here are a few highlights.
What about worldview?
Peter highlighted that our worldview acts as the lens through which we see the world. We are not born with an innate understanding of our world. Assumptions are developed through experience and cultural interaction, creating a foundation for making sense of the world. All stakeholders in our schools have varying worldviews and assumptions of what “good” Christian education is. The Bible paints a picture which gives us a frame of reference through which we see the world.
What does good faith integration look like?
Christian schools are called to deliver an exemplary education experience for our students in a way that highlights God's work in all aspects of creation. Authentic Christian education evokes hope, and brings about responsibility and actions. For example, the Transformation by Design framework involves intertwining biblical themes throughout the teaching program, allowing teachers to have discussions and include students in ways that are more than tokenistic.
Tacky integration turns students away.
Peter explained that Christian teachers often have well-written biblical rational statements, but they are not woven throughout the program. Furthermore, faith can often be “left at the door” or restricted to rigid sessions such as chapel and Christian studies. Does this train students to separate their spiritual and physical lives? Is that an authentic Christian life?
Students will be significantly less motivated to interact with topics seen as separate from “real life”. God is in all aspects of reality, so we can illuminate biblical truth in all subject areas. Waiting for spiritual conversations to “come up” is not good enough. Similarly, it is not good enough to only show Jesus’ love through our actions. If we don’t plan, how likely is it that we will do something amazing? Hint: not very.
Conclusion
Authentic Faith integration can be a challenge. It will take time to refine, like playing an instrument. Firstly, we can start with a biblical perspective about what God has said about the topic and how it influences our relationship with him. Secondly, we need to move a step further and embed these truths into student learning and discussions to compel action and significance. If we can authentically write one program this year, that is one more than last year!
What are St Philip's Teaching School INSIGHT Sessions?
INSIGHT sessions at the St Philip's Teaching School are bespoke offerings that supplement regular lectures. Often delivered by members of the St Philip's Christian Education staff and our affiliate school community; these sessions address important topics and issues that teachers face today. INSIGHT sessions create a safe space for St Philip's Teaching School trainees to collaborate both online and in person.
