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How does your understanding of mankind’s fallen nature impact your work in the classroom?
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Understanding that we were created in the image of God and that we are fallen and live in a fallen world is important in the classroom. This impacts the way I view all of my students recognizing that they are special creations. It helps me understand that we need rules and consequences. Discipline should not be punitive but should focus on helping teach students how to behave in ways that are Christ-like. The fruit of the Spirit should be evident in my life and the lives of my students. These characteristics should be taught and reinforced in my classroom.
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My understanding of mankind’s fallen nature impacts my work in the classroom when addressing the students. It helps me teach them the ways to be obedient and the importance of obedience as well as following God’s plans for them. I’m able to teach them of man’s fall all while helping them avoid the fall of man as well through educating them.
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First, it assures me that behavioral and heart issues will naturally arise in the classroom. It should not come as a surprise to me that even my best students act in selfish ways because they, along with all of us, are fallen. Therefore, discipline is inherent to classroom management.
Second, it reminds me that I will even sin and act in selfish ways. Not only are my students affected by the Fall but I am also affected by the Fall. Therefore, when I sin or mess up in my response to a student, I will need to ask for forgiveness.
Third, it highlights my role as a Christian educator to lead students to conversion and transformation in Christ. Their greatest need is not intellectual formation, career preparation, or self-actualization; it is reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ. Therefore, I am to intentionally communicate the gospel to them in the classroom. -
It gives me extra patience to remember that the the students and I are all fallen and in need of God’s forgiveness. Just as God disciplines us to help us grow in accountability, so should we not be reluctant to discipline the students in appropriate ways. It should be caring and firm, but not harsh, focusing on restoration and improvement.
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I realize that rules will be broken, etc. and that review is needed along with grace and mercy.