The Process of Christian Education-Reflections on a Journey of Faith
by: Dr. Herman K. Wentzel
Learning is a process of change.
Teachers manage the conditions and change in seeking truth.
Why are we here?
Process of education
Theory
Classroom applications
Lutheran Philosophy must be summed in 2 words
"I believe" followed by the Apostles creed
Understanding the scriptures isn't the basis for our belief
To prepare God's people for the work of Christian service to build up the body of Christ.
The mission should exude from all the faculty so the students know it's message.
Concordia exists to find truth in faith and the realm of critical thinking.
Create people skilled in the vocation of living, not just careers.
Growth in faith requires accumulating information but also the values of that faith.
Free to use developed habits of thought under the gospel
Use critical analysis
accept criticism
multiple perspectives
Faculty must engage in dialog to grow the students.
The process of education today
Theory-what is to be learned
We learn not by simply doing, but undergoing
"What does this mean, and how is it done"
Discuss, challenge, argue.
What does this mean?
What does this mean to me?
De-emphasize memorizing of facts.
It's like eating fiber, after eating it serves it's purpose then leaves quickly.
College education isn't about learning facts, but training the mind.
Encourage the asking of questions.
Learning continues when the student leaves with unanswered questions.
Cognitive Dissonance in p terms
Philosophy deals with the why and the what
Education philosophy deals with the how?
Discuss why, what, and how?
Failure is a learning experience.
The process of education for the university.
Christian education
By Christians for Christians
Christians educate Christians
Word, deed, confrontation
How to enroll Christian students.
How many to indicate a Christian campus.
Roommates have more influence than professors.
A living campus is important.
Accept non-Christians
The university has a mission focus.
Cheating.
Cheating is suspension
Forgive?
How do you treat this behavior?
Second chances after wrongful behavior.
It's under the context of the Christian gospel.
Seek truth, and also convey truth.
foster a common language
Available faculty
Faculty must be open and be available to foster learning outside the classroom.
Challenges to the mission
Commuter college
Driving and living off campus
Working, takes away from learning
Technology
Not enough personal contact.
Learning from a distance doesn't foster as much discussion.
Direct confrontation is important.
Summary
Students consider who they are in the light of what they might be
Foster joy in the process of learning
