The Learning in the Teaching

It was back to school for me. The minute I learnt of this module, my interest was piqued. I used to teach in my imaginery class when I was a child.  Actually, I was imitating one of my teachers. Never did I for once imagine I would be teaching a real class when I grow up.

I have attended Sis Davina’s tutorial on Biblical Hospitality so her notes on ‘Education on Hospitality, Teacher as Host’ caught my attention. It is a known fact that a teacher should care for his or her students but this is the first ever I hear of the concept of a teacher being a host.  Drawing parallels from how God is a host, Jesus is a host and the early faith communities are hosts open my eyes to how a teacher should embrace his or her students with empathy and understanding.  The more the caring, the better the student learns. This goes beyond the call of duty to merely perform the role of a teacher in a job. I am being inspired and challenged by this learning to follow God’s example to be a host to my students in future. Yes, I bring them snacks but it is more than just their stomachs.

However, what is disturbing is the accepted concept of ‘perceived caring’ as a central perception of teachers on the part of students. Here, Teven suggests that it is the perception of caring on the part of teachers that count, not the caring.  So, my question is this: Is such a teacher in reality a caring person? I do have issues with this concept.  Because I know my God cares for me; it is not a perceived act of caring, He cares. There’s no faking it, so neither should I.

Which brings me to my next reflection.  Among students’ expectations of a teacher ranging from ‘Credibility, Authenticity and Spirituality’, Authenticity stands out most for me.  Just as I seek out authentic teachers, my students are looking out for the same in me.  Do I walk the talk? More so, as someone teaching God’s Word, what am I like outside the classroom? I used to wonder about a neighbor teacher when I was a child growing up – what was she teaching in school? She lived a few doors away from my parents. She was a teacher in a reputable secondary school. Then the natural consensus was that teachers were role models in character and behavior.  However, this teacher would always be telling off salesmen attempting to sell her their wares. Or she would be playing mahjong every weekend and raising her voice in annoyance and irritation each time she had a bad tile or was losing. Perhaps I was naïve then in thinking that teachers were perfect beings. Now I know better.  Someone I know used to say ‘Teachers are devils!’ :)

‘The teaching behind the teaching’ is my third learning point from Palmer.  He outlines both the conventional classroom and the conventional ways of teaching. Gone are the days when authoritarian teaching brings out the best in the learning.  Active participation from the class encourages and stimulates learning and better absorption. But it is so easy to slip back into the mode whereby the teacher dominates the class. Pure transmission. Just last Sunday, I voiced my concerns to my senior pastor that conducting a survey of the Old Testament over 10 weeks (1 hour each week) would constitute only transmission. They may be no time left for Q&A even.  So it is interesting that in all the five micro-teaching presentations in class, all teams included components for activity and class participation, including some whacky games.

The two weeks slip by quietly but very quickly. I signed up for this module because I want to learn to be a more effective and impactful teacher.  There is so much I do not know.  I learnt in the Christian Education class that CE is not just about training and equipping believers but that the trained and equipped would go out and do likewise.  It is recurring, never stopping. Unlike education in the secular world where the learning and equipping is to prepare the student to face the world’s challenges. The philosophy of Christian teaching, as indicated in the notes would be to instill a commitment to service, to truth, to excellence and spirituality – to know, to do and to be.  And as the teacher teaches, learning also takes place in his/ her life as he/ she interacts with the students and learns from them.

My fervent prayer is I will be able to take what I have learnt in this class to my classroom. Not all at one go but small steps, one at a time, empowered by the Spirit, fueled by His love for His people, desiring for them to learn and grow together with me.  So they in turn can pass it on. 

Romans

It may sound unbelievable but I feel sad this is my last module before I graduate this year.  I know I could expect a time of great fellowship, catching up and making new friends aside from learning more about God in Romans class but somehow, that didn’t comfort me…I’m feeling a little melancholy as I type this…

Nevertheless, as usual, here are the takeovers I am bringing with me from Romans class 2013 -

The Learning

a.       Faith – Faith definitely has a part in ensuring my salvation.  It is on me to continue in faith in my Christian walk but my faith cannot save me.  It is actually my faith in God’s faith that saves me.  It is God’s faith which I had responded to and appropriate in my life.

b.      Love – is my love for God big enough to keep holding on to Him and not walk away in the face of problems, discouragement and persecution or is it God’s love that sustains me instead?  I find it difficult to keep the habit of journaling but Wendy’s suggestion to drop ‘blessing notes’ into a jar sounds very appealing.  I am going to buy a pretty candy jar and coloured papers which I will use to jot down the times of trials and blessings and the many times God delivered me – not just to encourage me for fresh seasons of difficult times but as a constant reminder of how GREAT God’s love is.  And I want always to be ready to share with others how He has always stood by me and send angels to care for me and encourage me.

c.       Lifestyle – Christianity is not a religion. It is a lifestyle.  What does my life speak of and does it reflect Christ in my life?  Famous quote now by Bro Casey ‘We can say many things but what does my life say?’  What does my life tell others about Jesus?  I will have to constantly remind myself that Jesus’ reputation is in my hands and how others see me will perceive who my God is.  I may be the only Christ these people will ever get to see.  While I preach God’s love, does this love really dwell in me and does it bring people closer to God or further away?  So, ‘who is the Jesus others see in me today’ is the question I will ask myself at the end of each day.  

  

d.      Structural Diagramming

I must admit this is not my first attempt at Structural Diagramming.  In fact, I have sat through 2 lessons by Sis Davina and one by Bro Casey yet, with each lesson, I learn more about the complexities of English grammar and sentence structures.  I always marvel at the clarity of the message once the structure has been set out and this time is no exception.  Each time I am greatly motivated to do Structural Diagramming on my own but regretfully, I have not managed any.  So right now I am telling myself I MUST! I MUST put this ‘skill’ into practise. So if anyone asks if I have picked up any practical skill from Bible college, I will be able to say ‘Structural Diagramming’!  HAHA!

The Openness

Many fight shy of sharing very personal and painful experiences with others, not to mention in a class when you are the lecturer.  This is the second time I hear Bro Casey’s sad story.  The first time was at BI module and for a completely different context.  That was a class of ‘newbies’ I believe, not people Bro Casey knew or had known for long but still, he opened up and shared this very personal life experience with us.  It can remain a sad story but he chose to use this testimony to assure us of God’s love and His faithfulness and to celebrate God’s goodness.  Thank you once again, Bro Casey.  Your story truly is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and His control over everything.  I am touched and encouraged by your ministering words.  

The People

Great team members and camaraderie that is spontaneous and genuine.  Everything fell nicely into place – the ideas and suggestions, the work that needed to be done.  For instance, during classroom discussions, Cecilia automatically took on the role of scribe being the only one without a notebook or data plan.  As our fingers flew across the keyboards, she put pen to paper.  All willingly made efforts to come for discussions, be it earlier before lessons commence or beyond class days.  There was this sense of accountability and responsibility towards self, each other and as a group which made working together such a joy!  Funny and warm and enthusiastic and love all throw in. What more can one ask for of a group collaboration?  Kudos to Group ONE!

The classmates! How not to blog about them?  Largely, many are familiar faces but friendships with some have been forged even stronger.  We found out who loves playing pool, who is the only child in the family and of course, who are still very available! We prayed about eyes, travel schedules and a door, yes! This is the beauty of being in a community of love.  Let love abound everywhere God places us.  Remember Romans, and remember Romans 12:9-13, remember the said scriptures and remember that true and sincere love is seen in and through actions.  Kudos to Class of Romans 2013!

Bro Casey and Sis Davina, once again, thank you for your love and life examples.   You come not only as lecturers but also as friends.  You not only teach to enrich our minds and ensure we get straight ‘As’ (Hear! Hear!), you teach to touch our hearts and souls as well.  I enjoy the sessions especially where we have to be simple and clear in our explanation of the Scriptures so they can be easily understood by pre-believers.  It was fun guessing what you were looking out for!  Love you both!

The Reflection

The reflection papers speak to me greatly.  This time, the Spiritual Exercises were not merely assignments but questions that made me do a self-check on the basis and commitment of my faith.  Question 4 in the second Spiritual Exercise especially made me look and relook at my Christian walk.  Let me paraphrase my answer – ‘I understand the ‘commitment of faith’ as going beyond my saying ‘yes’ to God’s gospel-invitation.  Since we are called to make disciples of all nations, I am therefore a disciple of Christ.  And Jesus’ disciple not just one who spreads His teachings but is first and foremost, one who embraces His teachings in his/ her life.’  This is a challenge for me to examine my life if I am indeed a doer and not only a hearer or a reader of His Word.

Time flies and there is only more class to close of Romans Class 2013.  See you all tomorrow and thank you for a wonderful learning experience.  God bless you all!

Watching my life everyday...why?

Titus was placed in an environment that was hostile to Christianity.  False teachings were rife and the Christian community was in disarray.  The nation was infamous for being liars, evil brutes and lazy gluttons.  The Christians were probably making things difficult for Titus to do his work.  However, Paul expressed confidence in Titus by leaving him in Crete to straighten out the bad situation in the church.  He urged Titus to be bold and to persevere and step out and teach the right doctrines and setting the right example to the people by being an exemplary role model.  Likewise, here in Singapore, we live in an environment that is not entirely friendly to Christianity. And Timothy teaches how to endure opposition.  The world is especially hostile to Christ hence we need endurance and to practise gentleness in the face of opposition.  Just take my family for instance.  One of my sisters is a Catholic while the sister and my mother are Buddhists.  Religion is not important to my nieces and brother-in-law. There is and always has been resistance to Christianity for as long as I can remember.  However, I must not give up hope and still continue to share the Good News to my family members whenever I can although I do feel weary at times.  This is especially so when I see no change to their receptiveness to the Gospel.  From the book of Titus, I am reminded that this hostile environment is not unique to just my family or to Singapore but to the world at large.  The world has been hostile to Jesus since Day One.  The enemy crept in stealthily and with his lies, ‘stole’ the blessings that God had given man and he is still very much at his game today.  But Scriptures assure us that God desires for all man to come to know Him and not perish.  Therefore, I will not be discouraged even when faced with objections and resistance but will continue to believe in my family’s and friends’ salvation.

Many times, we question the ability of someone young and inexperienced especially at leadership positions.  However, Paul taught Timothy not to be discouraged or disheartened at remarks that he (Timothy) was too young but instead he should continue to set himself as a blameless example for others to see and follow.  The going would be tough, Paul promised, but Timothy was to ‘keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Tim 6:14).  This is a lesson for me not to doubt the young but instead to be an encouragement and help to them.  I have to remember that everyone, young or old, experienced or not, is being appointed by God to serve in the Body of Christ and as a community, we are to encourage and build each other up.  And just as there was a starting point in my life to learn and grow, so do others.

          ‘It gets lonely at the top.”  I remember this punchline from a Svensons advertisement, a hair regrowth brand.  A balding man was looking out of his skyscraper office window at the New York scene outside.  Obviously, this man is in an executive position within the corporation, hence the window view, hence his loneliness.  Paul was acutely aware leaders can get lonely and discouraged with all the work yet seeing little or no results.  He thus kept reminding Timothy of his calling and ministry to encourage him and egg him on.  It is possible Timothy could have been feeling down and needed all the encouragement he could have.  Likewise, many leaders are alone and have no one to turn to when they need help so it is important that as church members, we need to remember them and keep them in prayer to encourage, motivate and uphold them.  Leaders are not super beings.  They are normal people being placed in positions of responsibility and authority as caretakers in the different aspects of God’s work.  We have to acknowledge that they too, just like everyone else, need encouragement.

In our group skit, I played a character who was disgruntled with her lady boss whom she deemed unfit for her position.  She started to complain and gossip about her at cell group.  It is indeed human nature to pick on others’ shortcomings.  It is also a common fact that a complaint may very well continue to grow to become gossip and once started, it is difficult to stop.  That was not only acting.  I am guilty of complaining and gossiping about people in real life and it is a habit that has to be stopped because it is like venom that will spread like gangrene not only within me but that will affect the people around me as well.  1 Tim 4:16 says ‘I need to watch my life and doctrines closely and to persevere in them because when I do, I will save both myself and my hearers’ and may I add, watchers and observers as well.  So I ask myself, how do I want people to view me, a disciple of Christ?  Do I want to be criticised for my behaviour and speech or do I want to live a life that will encourage and lead others to Christ?  People are watching and it seems they are watching Christians closely.  So I have to adopt the right behaviour at all times, my speech as well – even when no one is looking, because God is still watching. 

            Another lesson, not the last, is about guarding what God has entrusted to my care.  The ministries He has placed in my care, am I looking after them well?  The studies He has called me to, am I working hard at them?  The things He has given me, am I being good steward of them?   The family and friends He has placed and is bringing into my life, how burdened am I for their salvation?  Am I doing enough and where can I do more?  The gifts He has given me, am I hiding them and storing them away?  It is a sobering thought that should I not do His work and His will, He can always appoint someone else to do that same work.  When that happens, how am I going to give my report on that Day?   I truly need to sit down and examine these seriously. 

These are some lessons and reminders I am taking away from the Pastoral Epistles.  Initially I had thought it is about pastors and their work.  However, it did not take long to realise the Scriptures apply to every Christian – pastor, leader, church member young and old, because firstly, all of us are called to be leaders and secondly, we need to watch our lives so that “in every way, we will make the teaching of God, our Saviour attractive” (Titus 2:10). 

The Corinthians Adventure

I had heard from a college mate that she benefited much from the Corinthians class. Naturally, I was looking forward to it. Plus the fact that I was going to teach NT Survey at church makes attending this module more timely. I was eager to apply what I was going to learn in my teaching. Here are some personal take-aways:

Do not let the sins of my culture become my sins

Corinth was one of the most pagan and sinful cities during Paul’s time. The Corinth church found it difficult to insulate themselves from the pagan practices and rituals that these foreign traders brought along with them. Likewise, here in Singapore, Christians are being surrounded by different cultures and religions. I used to work in an environment where the people were superstitious. There, I had to be sensitive and yet stand firm upon my belief and biblical truths. The sales team used lucky charms to improve their sales while the company practised fengshui. The lady boss had a golden abacus which she would shake to bring on the sales. Someone enquired about my lucky charm and was speechless when I said I had none but that I pray. I also had to refuse someone’s kind offer to get me some personal lucky charms. Through it all, I was polite and smiled although I was praying silently they would not involve me in their activities. It was easy to simply follow along in order to please everyone and be part of the group but I thank God He have me the courage to stand firm on His teachings. What happened eventually was that even my lady boss explained that I would be busy on Sundays due to church and ministry when being asked to work on a Sunday at a show. God used a pre-believer to speak on my behalf! From the lessons from Paul’s teachings to the Corinth church, I am once again reminded how important it is that we remain pure and blameless in God’s sight in the face of the sinfulness around us.

Handling criticisms graciously with God’s grace

Another important personal lesson is learning how to handle criticisms graciously with God’s grace. Most criticisms stem from trivial matters and potentially would turn into personal attacks. In the past, I would confront the person or individuals involved to clear my name. Then there was a period of time when I would simply act nonchalant but deep down I was hurting. Although what was being said was baseless and unfair, I chose to take a different stance somehow. After reading 2 Corinthians, I now see the best way to handle criticisms is to handle them graciously – with God’s grace. Yes, although the remarks may be hurting or personal and baseless, I know I can turn to God for comfort and strength during these times. However, it does not mean that we remain quiet and be misunderstood. It means instead of being confrontational and aggressive, I should seek out the person in love to clear the air. It is also during this time when 1 Corinthians 13 comes strongly to mind – love. Love regardless whether others love you; accept others regardless whether they accept you – something God impressed upon my heart some years ago. Recently, a guest speaker prayed over me a very comforting message about some misunderstanding that had taken place. There was no mention of a specific event or individual but I felt great comfort and peace knowing that God knows and He is looking after me. The best thing is He knew I am being misunderstood! So in future, when criticisms arise, I will remember what I have learnt in Corinthians, being assured that He is in total control and that I am safe in His Hands.

Team work

There are seven of us in our team – each of us with different personalities, work styles and personal commitments. Several of us are working while the rest are full-time students. So, here we have a relatively big group working on class projects together, of course requiring our attention to deadlines. Needless to say, we faced challenges getting assignments done as not all of us have been able to meet the deadlines. This resulted in some getting frustrated and some feeling bad and guilty. However, as being taught and having learnt from the book of Corinthians, we solved the problem in godly ways – by being open and using love as the first tools to discuss the problem at hand. From everyone’s comments, we were learning a) to be mindful of accountability to one another and thus, to the group efforts, b) understanding different capabilities, limitations and expectations of each other, c) recognising we are a team that possesses different gifts, d) exercising grace and patience, e) communicating our thoughts clearly, for instance, on timelines, submissions (in this case) as none of us are mind readers. This is important so we can also pray for each other. Overall this open-hearted discussion brought the meaning of teamwork to a higher level for me.

The Community

As always in Bro Casey’s class, hitting the books is not the only way to learn. Building relationships and community are focal points in his teaching as well. Expanding head knowledge whilst the heart factor remains stagnant will not bring me far. More so when the emphasis in the Corinthians books demonstrates the importance of community living – being mindful of each other’s spiritual growth, critical we do not stumble each other in our faith, being considerate to the poor and needy, loving one another – so, we had our Chinese New Year Potluck where we had fun ‘lo’heing’ and fellowshipping together, of course not forgetting Bro Casey and Sis Davina! It was not just community-mindedness that abounded in the bringing of the food. It was also the preparation for the party and the clearing up thereafter that reflected this community-living spirit in us. The college theme this year is ‘One Community’. My church’s theme this year is ‘This is my family’. Indeed, I am reminded that wherever God calls me to, there is my family, the community where He wants me to be a blessing and surely, be blessed in return.

Being with pre-believers

Many Christians shun from eating food offered to idols for obvious reasons. We do not visit temples and other places of worship for obvious reasons as well. What happens then if, say, our parents or friends challenge us to visit the temple with them when we invite them to church? The discussion in class revealed various thoughts and answers but one thing that stays on my mind is this – how can we even attempt to share the Good News with others if we do not try to understand them. How do we show our love, God’s love when we are not where the people are? Paul teaches in 1 Cor 9:19-23 he makes himself a slave to everyone in order to win as many as he could to Christ. I want to be more like Paul in this aspect. This set me thinking that the next time my mum challenges me to visit the temple with her, I will do so. But I will have to pray very hard that she is not attending a chanting session.

Indeed, I am more than enjoying this class. I came away with additional materials for my teaching at church. I now understand Corinthians better, like and understand Paul better (I used to think he was an MCP), the fellowshipping is simply fabulous, we are always laughing, new friendships have been forged and old friendships have been strengthened. I now know Soo Ling likes to ‘kid around’, Marcus as usual is up to his antics, Bro Casey and Sis Davina, as always, teach both through books and notes and their deeds. The cakes and chocolates they feed us with, their openness and friendship, the prayers for one another – all these make this class a very memorable adventure and I do not want to get off this ride…yet!

Education – teaching it right

Since education is primarily about people, it would seem important we spend time studying and understanding their background and character makeup to create an effective learning process. Biologically, we are all different. Culturally and psychologically, our diverse backgrounds determine our perceptions and mindsets. I am now more conscious these are details I should not overlook. Although multi-faceted and multi-influenced, ultimately people are modifiable so we should not be judgemental or critical. Do we become impatient when we do not see transformation in a person? The Bible warns us about judging others. If we are serious about training people, we must first learn to communicate with them and communication is two ways - from teacher to student and vice versa. The usual scenario is where teachers want to be heard only. Instead of just providing information, a good teacher allows students opportunities to explore and learn on their own, to think. Education should not be merely teaching for the sake of increasing knowledge but it should take into account to modify lives as well. Are we training people to be more committed to God and to each other?

Very often, learning is caught, not taught. Look around and one sees and hears people smoking and swearing. There is no formal smoking or swearing school that is ever heard of but these habits are being picked up from amongst peers or family members. What is the environment that we are providing for learning? Do teachers ‘walk the talk’? I remember a neighbour, an impatient and critical lady and a teacher by profession, who played mah-jong every weekend. I used to wonder how she would explain to her students the pitfalls of gambling or inculcate in them the values of good character and morals. Playing mah-jong was perhaps a pastime but would that be a good testimony to her students? Likewise, when we teach the Bible, do we first let the Bible live in us before impressing upon others to obey God’s Word?

It may seem educators neglect what is known as the Learning Space. The four components – physical, intellectual, dramatic and emotional aspects of the Learning Space when combined together present a powerful environment for effective learning. It is perhaps normal for a church to pay little attention to the physical environment when conducting lessons especially for the adults. After all, we are Christians who should be looking at the heart matter and not the façade. If children’s training rooms are decorated with vivid colours to engage them, why is this concept not applied to adults too? Does the room or the surrounding project warmth and cheer or is it cold, dull and unwelcoming and hence not conducive to learning? Do we allow students to develop intellectually to uncover the truth for themselves even when it is competing truth, let them grapple with it and come to the conclusion on their own or do we spoon-feed them or worse, shove it all ‘down their throats’? Do we provide a safe environment to allow expressions without fear of being discriminated especially if these are different from the majority? Many say we indoctrinate when teaching the Bible. It should be noted that the lecturer for this module requires us to blog our new discoveries and learning. With him, learning is not top-down and only in the classroom but on the media space too. We are encouraged to comment on each other’s blogs on the site that has been created for this purpose. There is therefore the opportunity for expression and open engagement to bring the learning experience to a higher level.

These and more are signs that while Christian educators place great emphasis in the teaching of God’s Word, we neglect to take into consideration that we are dealing with human beings after all, beings who are diversely different from one to the other. As my classmate, Eddie says, ‘We need to relook into this and make it right.’