We continue our exploration of the GPCC Philosophy & Practice of Christian Education ( Link: PoEP ) by looking at the section on the process of education.

The book of Proverbs reminds us that wisdom comes through learning from and about God and obeying Him. In writing to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul desired that they might come to a full understanding of God and His purposes in Christ because this was a treasury full of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2-3).

There must be no teaching by default; we should choose our approach deliberately to achieve the purpose of the school through Christian education. This involves remembering that to teach means to learn; indeed, we say that without learning, there has been no teaching.

We recognise three interrelated aspects of learning:

· Knowledge – the what;

· Understanding - the why; and

· Wisdom – the how.

We are often very good at passing on knowledge; we are often competent in training in understanding; we are often poor at instilling wisdom. Consequently, we must choose pedagogies that enable the development of understanding, skill and faithful character through which students may bring glory to God. This will require a wide range of strategies and approaches, from didactic to discovery, in order to produce wisdom.

Teachers are called to be role models of what it is to be a student, not just role models of the final product. We must be role models of what it is to be on the discipleship journey, not just what the finished product might be like.

In Christian education, we consider the Creation and the Creator. Education should be focused on helping students to understand the physical and cultural world in which they live and to understand themselves and others. If we leave God out, we may educate in a limited sense; but when we put God in, we educate in a complete sense.

Christian teachers need to be wary of seeing the Scriptures as a handbook for pedagogy. It contains many examples of good teaching, but that is not its main purpose. We can note over 25 different pedagogies used in Scripture, but common grace also allows us to learn more about learning and so be even more effective. Christian pedagogy will rely on prayer, knowing God’s Word and knowing His Creation. In this way we can help students to learn and direct their attention towards the One in whose image they are made, drawing them back to Him and to His purpose for them in the world.

Classroom teaching and learning strategies are examined in light of the above ideas to ensure they fulfil the right purpose. As we move to adopt a Blended Learning approach across the school for example, we do so by not just adopting any strategy but re-thinking it in the light of our purpose.

Phillip Nash

Principal