Reflection on Entry Points: Biblical Views for Subjects in Curriculum

(Chapter 4, 5)

Chapter 4 represents how to view the nature of a child and the role of a Christian teacher

from Christian perspectives. As a Christian teacher, we need to acknowledge that each student is

created in the image of God. They are unique and have different gifts and talents or multiple

intelligences as described in Piagets Theory. They are united spiritually, mentally, physically,

emotionally and socially related to each other stated in this chapter. For Christian teachers,

teaching should be more than a mere profession. We need to remember our role as the calling of

God. This requires creating a positive classroom environment, building relationship with each

student, commitment, considering the classroom conditions, materials and time, finally

assessment/ evaluation and encouragement. In the past, although traditional ways of teaching and

learning are vastly applied, it is likely to be less effective nowadays. We need to realize the

changing of traditional teaching method into progressive. Traditional teaching is simply

providing information and the receivers will take it, rehearse exactly the same as they had been

taught and finally they will have exam. In fact, traditional learning method seemed to lessen the

critical thinking of the students. On the one hand, the progressive way is more of student-

centered and goal-oriented which actually helps student to discover, to think, analyze and

evaluate and finally, connect with their real life. As it has been described, a Christian teacher

should take those factors into account as a means of answering the call of God; to nurture His

image bearers, to fulfill the great plans of God toward them.

In chapter 5, it presents about what the curriculum should look like in terms of Christian

worldview. The content in the curriculum need to be in line with the values and goals of the main

claim/ thematic statement of the school. It is required for a teacher to master the content
knowledge and know what kind of strategies will be used to deliver in order to meet the goals of

the statement of school curriculum. In creating a curriculum, we need to figure out the ways to

glorify God through teaching and learning plans. The author presents this a triangle shape; God

is placed in the top most and in the center while the student, the teacher, and the knowledge to be

taught are connected to God directly and as well as among themselves. This is actually a clear

and great picture of how a Christian curriculum should be formed. We need to make sure that the

statement belief of our curriculum is always reflecting God to bring all the honors and glories

back to Him.