-
How does your understanding of mankind’s fallen nature impact your work in the classroom?
-
Because of the fall, we all sin and I see students needing to know that we all need to acknowledge our sin. I do have rules in my classroom and they do have to follow them but I make it clear that it is for the betterment of both the individual and the course as a whole. When they mess up there will be consequences but only because I care about them and their character and because God cares. Kids want to know where the boundaries are, it makes them feel cared for and they also can learn a great deal by seeing us make mistakes and apologising for those mistakes.
-
Due to mankind’s fallen nature we are sinful beings in need of a Savior. Our students come to us with troubles and hardships. Their behavior is not perfect and therefore we need to have rules and hold them accountable for their actions. I believe that natural consequences due have an impact on students, but also there are times when students need to be removed from course to have a serious discussion or punishment for their behavior. I try to give student clear and concise rules during the start of school as to what I expect as a teacher, but it is also important to teach them to love one another an forgive one another. I try to facilitate reconciliation between students if it is needed. Ultimately, all the problems in the classroom need to be called out and students need to be reminded that Jesus Christ came to save us from all of our sins. Our debt has been paid. It all needs to point back to our Rescuer and His great love for us.
-
Mankind’s fallen nature requires discipline in the classroom. I appreciate how Dr. Black emphasizes the importance of brining students “back into the fold”. After a consequence (as natural as can be), I make it a point to have a conversation with my students about their behavior. Additionally, our fallen nature reminds me that I must be patient in the classroom. Like my students, I am sinful. I need correction, mercy, and grace extended, so I can/should extend that to my students.
-
I recognize that students are created in the image of God, but because of the fall of man, we all are sinners. Due to this fallen nature, students will not always make the best decisions. It is my responsibility as a Christian educator to guide and instruct my students using biblical principles and clear rules and expectations. Sometimes this will come in the form of discipline, accountability and consequences for misbehaviors, and other times it will be shown through forgiveness and showing grace. Most importantly, students must understand that they are in need of Savior and that giving their lives to Christ will encourage them to change behaviors and live those Christ-like characteristics that are described by the fruit of the spirit.
-
My understanding of mankind’s fallen nature helps me to love on my students by asking God to help me see them how He sees them, through the lense of Jesus Christ. I mostly work with elementary students, so I still get to see the innocence, and joy that most young children have. At this age, they are very impressionable, so I know that it is my responsibility to point them to Christ.
