Response to discussion 3

Kimberly

I do not necessarily agree that secular education does not build curriculum. I have experienced many educational settings that does great at building rigor and effective methods in the classroom without speaking on Christianity. However, I do agree that we should consider God's hierarchy when developing curriculum. I think this will help students understand the "big idea" of the lesson. Some students do not understand how they can take information learned within the classroom and use it in the real world. I think including God's hierarchy of curriculum development will allow students to see why the information being received is vital beyond taking end of the year tests.

The Bible can be used to further guide individuals on their Christian life. Not only in their own personal lives, but it can help in education as well. According to the state, teachings of the Bible is permitted as long as one does not try to force religion upon one or any student. However, the Bible can teach many lessons from History to English. It provides different experiences and Biblical references. With a God-centered education, students can understand that God is the root of all teachings. Things that are normally difficult to understand can be used to help justify why a student should put their trust in God when it comes to learning. This helps individuals not stray from the word of God and use Him as the leader in every aspect. For example, when a student becomes discouraged and assumes to never know the answer or how to figure it out, they can refer to the Word and understand that God provides knowledge, understanding, and wisdom and use these qualities to better understand what is being taught.

In my opinion, God's hierarchy can be used when motivating students to do their best. It can provide alternative routes to teaching a lesson. It can, also, provide security and confidence for a student when engaging in a lesson. There are many ways it can be used in classroom. You have to identify what area the student needs help and use the hierarchy appropriately.

Summer Richardson

When I think about developing a curriculum using God's hierarchy of curriculum development (i.e. knowledge, understanding, and wisdom), I think about the teach, assess, learn curriculum orientation. I would compare knowledge to teaching; a teacher must have knowledge about a topic or a concept in order to teach it effectively. Sure, the teacher can read from a script or follow a set curriculum, but if a teacher doesn't actually KNOW the subject matter and is just reading it from a book, most students won't really learn because it is not engaging. Next is assessment in the orientation, or understanding in God's hierarchy. How does a teacher know if a student UNDERSTANDS a concept? They ASSESS! Whether formally, informally, formatively, or summatively, an effective teacher is always going to assess and monitor their students for understanding. Lastly, we have learning and wisdom. The Cambridge Dictionary defines wisdom as "the ability to use your knowledge and experience to make good decisions and judgments" (n.d.). A person must use their knowledge to determine if they have actually learned something. For example, if a toddler touches a hot stove eye, they will now have the knowledge or wisdom to avoid touching a hot stove eye in the future. Therefore, they have learned from the experience. 

I feel that in a way, we already use God's hierarchy to develop our curriculum. All teachers must teach before they can assess student learning. Even though secular schools do not permit Christian beliefs in the K-12 classroom, we can still show others Jesus by the way we act. We can teach the principles of the Bible without incorporating them into our written curriculum.

Tavaralyn

Hello Class,

Unit 3 Discussion Question

God's hierarchy: knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. How can I use God's hierarchy when developing curriculum? In response to this question, I would first like to say that at all times we should seek to honor our Lord and Saviour in all that we do.  When I start to develop my curriculum, I would like remember the scripture, Isaiah 54:13. Isaiah 54:13 says, "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." I believe that if we follow these instructions that has been given to us we will be able to build a strong foundation for our students when developing our curriculum. In using God's hierarchy, I wilI begin by make sure the lessons are fun and exciting by gaining an understanding of the curriculum that I am putting together to help my students become successful. I want to have my students excited about coming to class to learn and master the curriculum standards. I want them to be involved and to feel comfortable when learning the curriculum. I will gain enough knowledge and wisdom about what I am teaching for the year to ensure that everything in the curriculum is well planned. We, as teachers, are to have knowledge of the word in order to be able to guide our students and to be able to teach spiritual and moral truths through academics. Proverbs 4:7 says, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."