Latest Christian Education Principles For Teachers

By Donna Hall


Teachers handling religious studies find themselves in a tricky situation. This is because the subjects are sensitive and touch on daily living from a religious perspective. You also have to consider the fact that the lessons go beyond class work. This is why Christian education principles for teachers were developed. Here is a look at some of the values that should guide a teacher in the process.

The basics of Christianity must be understood. Christian religious teachings are anchored on the bible. It becomes impossible for a teacher to handle the lessons unless he or she has understood it first. You have to read a lot of books on Christianity and also study the bible in depth. This helps you to deliver the lessons with a great deal of accuracy. You will produce knowledgeable students who perform well beyond the class.

The curriculum remains your ultimate guide. The curriculum is meant to provide a standard when teaching. It will also guide students when preparing for examinations. However, teachers have personal biases that could intervene. Take note of the ideas you are mandated to teach. By going outside these ideas, you will be missing a huge point. Even though you might not agree with some of the ideas, you have a responsibility to instruct the students according to the set curriculum.

Avoid bias based on person believes and prevailing religious environment. It is impossible to divorce religious studies from the current social political environment. This leaves many instructors in a dilemma. In fact, you should prepare for some tough questions by your students on prevailing religious environment. Personal bias should not cause you to mislead or fail to direct students accordingly.

Prepare for a tirade of questions that arise in your lessons. It is a huge challenge to answer these questions because some might be beyond the curriculum. Remember that students are coming across a lot of materials on Christianity. Read extensively and endeavor to produce students who are open-minded. Handle each question professionally, avoiding bias as much as possible.

The context of religious or Christian teaching is as important as the lesson you wish to impart. The bible and all its stories have a cultural, historical and theological genesis. If you are to handle your students well, this context must be understood. It is also to be simplified so that students can understand it better. Identify ways it can be applied in the world today. This helps to make your students progressive thinkers.

Teach your pupils to apply the knowledge acquired beyond the class. This means that your teachings are not just centered around class work but application of the principles in life. This explains the need to contextualize the lessons and also simplify them for present day application. Unlike other subjects like biology and physics that one might never apply, religious studies permeate into the lives of learners till eternity. This is why caution must be exercised during delivery.

The target for every teacher should be to produce students with a broad mindset. Discourage your students from memorizing. Instead, encourage them to think through the lessons and apply them in life. Make your learning active and interactive. Spare no effort in your endeavor to produce citizens whose thinking and mind are broad. This helps you achieve a greater impact in their academic as well as social life.




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