Entries by Guest Author

Preparing the Soil for Learning

September 9, 2015 in /by

What makes teaching effective? How do we prepare the learning “soil” for instruction that sticks in the classroom? Traditionally, classrooms have followed a historic model of teaching involving teacher-centered instruction or lecture. Questioning for comprehension by the teacher, practice on the skill independently to solidify the concept by the student, and a homework assignment to […]

Transform-ed: Relationship-driven, Community-wide

September 8, 2015 in /by

From a teacher in West Africa:   A group of us foreign teachers played a soccer match against some of our school’s national staff. The majority of our national workers are from a Muslim background, so it was an awesome time to show unity and God’s love. What an opportunity to begin making friends. Along […]

Transform-ed: Patient for God Appointments

August 24, 2015 in , /by

From a teacher in Asia: The long-time desire of my heart has been to work with orphans and needy children, so imagine my delight when I was invited to visit an orphanage near our city. Unfortunately, the day before I was to go the trip was cancelled. I was so disappointed. On further reflection, I realized I […]

Use Questions: Help Your Students Connect God’s World and Word

April 22, 2015 in /by

In previous OnPractice posts, we’ve discussed the importance of asking questions in the classroom[1]. This week’s post, adapted from Michael Essenberg’s curriculum Connect God’s World and Word, discusses the important role that questioning can have in helping students connect what they are learning to the larger story of God and His work in the world[2]. […]

Right Questions–Big Question Guide

February 25, 2015 in /by

If teachers are being transformed by their understanding of God and His purposes, they will have a transforming impact on their students.  As they look at what they teach from the radically different perspective revealed in the Bible, their excitement about the meaning and purpose of “common” things will be contagious.  Their thankful spirit will […]

Teaching Multi-Level English Language Learners

February 11, 2015 in /by

In a perfect world, all of our classes would be comprised of students with similar abilities. However, we don’t live in a perfect world. One of the questions I am asked most frequently when I am observing or coaching in our TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) program is: How do I teach to […]

Helping Students Make Biblical Connections

January 28, 2015 in /by

In Christian education, we want our students to connect God’s world and Word. What is the likelihood your students will get better at making connections if they don’t think making connections is important, don’t receive instruction on making connections, don’t have time to reflect, don’t get practice, and don’t get feedback? Actually, it’s not that […]

Seeking Truth In the Classroom

December 17, 2014 in /by

As Christian educators, we have a high calling: to not only instruct our students in our subject matter, but also lead them to the foot of the Cross. While I’m not an expert in Biblical integration, I am a Christ-follower who desires to infuse my teaching with His truth. We are all called to guide […]