A Transformational Classroom's Cascading Impact

A transformational classroom is more than just a physical space; it is an environment that nurtures learning, growth and relationship both in the lives of the students and educators. The impact of such classrooms extends beyond immediate learning outcomes to lasting learning outcomes which influence students, their families, and communities in profound ways. A transformational classroom is more than a concept of adapting new pedagogical changes, it is rather a pursuit of transformation in people’s hearts and lives. Therefore, transformational classrooms have the potential to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the walls of the school and that continues to create lifelong impact.

As I ponder this thought of the ‘cascading impact through transformational classrooms,’ I am reminded of Apostle Paul’s instruction to young Timothy, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).[1] From this instruction, I would like to draw some pointers for our encouragement.

And the things you have heard me say …
Paul’s teachings created lasting impact in young Timothy’s life. Paul met Timothy in the town of Lystra during his second missionary journey, and this meeting turned into a lifelong relationship between Paul and Timothy. Timothy became Paul’s ‘disciple’ and Paul called him his spiritual son (1 Timothy 1:2). Timothy went places with Paul, learning from everything Paul taught and did in an informal classroom setting. The things that Timothy heard Paul say were words of encouragement for Timothy to endure his faith and remain firm in the midst of trials and challenges of false teachings (2 Timothy 1:8-9, 2:16-18). This instruction of ‘the things you have heard me say’ also speaks about Paul’s own transformational experience on the way to Damascus where he encountered Lord Jesus, an encounter that changed rest of Paul’s life (Acts 9). Paul was able to make such a lasting impact in Timothy’s life because of his own transformation. In order to create cascading impact in the students’ lives, we as educators need to be fully transformed into the likeness of Lord Jesus.

Entrust to reliable people…
A true disciple will continue to make more disciples. This principle also applies in a classroom setting. Paul saw Timothy as trustworthy person. He did not just entrust Timothy with responsibilities, but he also trusted him completely to carry on his teachings. Another quality of the transformational classroom is that educators love and trust their pupils as a reliable and responsible generation of changemakers. Timothy’s impact cascaded to many people, and he is known to be a trustworthy and faithful servant because his life centred around the ministry of discipleship and the apostle Paul’s mentoring of him. Paul trusted Timothy, and, as his role-model, entrusted him with responsibility. Transformed educators see every student in the classroom become a Timothy who is divinely placed in our lives to continue creating cascading impact in and through their lives. This truth reminds us of our responsibility to continue to strive to become that type of teacher and mentor for our students.

Who will be able to teach others…
Paul was a visionary leader who did not just focus on being a disciple of Christ himself but also on making others faithful disciples of Christ as well. Timothy is one of Paul’s faithful disciples, but Paul’s idea and passion of disciple making did not end there – he commands Timothy to entrust these things to faithful men “who will be able to teach others also.”  In other words, the process is to continue in an endless chain of disciple-making. Timothy’s life was impacted to create cascading impact through his life and ministry as a faithful servant of Lord Jesus Christ. One of my teachers whose life and teachings made a lasting impact in my life, often used a phrase in the classroom, “Don’t become the people of influence but become the people of impact,” further adding “Influence remains for a short while, but becoming the person of impact transforms people from within to continue the cycle of positive change.” It took me many years to understand this fully, until I entered the classroom as a teacher myself. Now when I hear and see when my students become people of impact in their sphere of life and work, it brings me joy and satisfaction beyond words that my efforts in the classroom never go in vain. 

We learn these principles of a transformational classroom’s cascading impact through the life and mission of Apostle Paul, which can be applied in our classroom setting as well. Remember, a transformational classroom is the result of transformed educators whose impact cascades into the lives of students and the community through their life and teachings.

Rahul
Rahul is a husband and a father of two foster daughters, serving as Coordinator of Community Transformational Initiatives with TeachBeyond’s Higher Education Services. He is also a professor of practical theology at Bible colleges in South Asia. Rahul gives leadership at his local church and is extensively involved in the teaching and preaching ministry. He is currently preparing to pursue higher studies.