Albert Einstein once said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” To “awaken joy” seems so fitting for a teacher in Christian education environments, which is my context for this assignment. Consider Psalm 119:16 -18: “I delight in your decrees; … I will not neglect your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (New International Version). With this in mind, I believe the pursuit of effective teaching must address not just cognitive areas but the emotional, spiritual, and creative capacities of each student as well.
There’s a common adage that says effectiveness is doing the right thing, in contrast to efficiency which is the ability to do things right. For example, it appears the right goal of teaching God’s Word is to increase the maturity of believers (Col. 1:28). Paul describes this process as “attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” resulting in unity and collaboration (Eph. 4:11-16, New International Version). As for doing this the right way, Klaus (2001) points out, the spiritual gift of teaching requires tangible expressions of love if it is to be credible and effective (1 Cor. 12:1–3). Moreover, the function of this gift is often seen in conjunction with the character qualities of spiritual leadership (1 Tim. 3:1–13)
Effectual teaching is contingent upon the interplay between the instructor's subject-matter knowledge and pedagogical ability. To echo Hendricks, when these qualities come together well, “it should provoke something, unsettle some preconceived notions, and open people’s eyes to things they’ve never realized” (Hestenes, Hendricks, & Palmer, 1991, p. 109). This kind of teaching is a catalyst in the mind and emotions, causing a spiritual reaction between teachers, students and God. This assumes, however, that there is a distinctly Christian teaching and learning process wherein the goal is that the truths of God become living and active in their hearts and minds of people (1 Cor. 2:10–16; Heb. 4:12). In short, I believe effective teaching promotes learning, collaborating, and maturing. It does not guarantee these things, because that is an outcome a teacher cannot control, but it is a mutual goal that teachers, students, and the Holy Spirit strive toward.
References
Hestenes, R., Hendricks, H. G., & Palmer, E. F. (1991). Mastering Teaching. Carol Stream, Ill: Multnomah Press.
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