The RenewaNation Review 2015 Volume 7 Issue 1 | Page 40

  I also was drawn to the study of Bloom’s taxonomy and how important it is to provide opportunities for students to use creative thinking, higher order thinking, critical think- ing, and problem-solving. This is critical in instruction and outcomes for education. Without teaching students how to think, we deny them the preparation to be successful in a challenging and competitive world. The goal of education must be to develop thinkers, not just to deliver knowledge.   When I thought I had “fought the good fight” and was ready to leave the halls of education, God showed me just what I was being equipped for and the ministry that was yet to come. God opened the door to use my gifts and abilities to lead in a Christian school. I was introduced to a Christian worldview of education. Without teaching children to think and to filter learning through God’s Word, generations could be lost by accepting false doctrine and not using their intelligence capability to honor God’s plan for their life.   Christian education needs to integrate academic content with biblical worldview thinking. With this goal in mind education will honor God, enrich learning, and build stron- ger foundations of faith in our students. All the pieces of our life and learning need to be within the context of God’s framework. We need to help students think by making connections, integrating ideas, and having moral integrity. By seeing students as God’s perfect creation with a distinct purpose and gifts, we can share content, problems, and situations as opportunities to better understand God. God’s creation, plan for man, morality, and purpose of life need to be the foundation for all learning. Helping students under- stand this essential truth is the core for true Christian educa- tion and education in general. It brings a purpose to educa- tion that students so often seek. Instead of asking, “Why do I need to know this,” they can see God’s bigger picture for the knowledge and understanding. Education then becomes relevant and satisfying even when it may be difficult. As a Christian teacher, your job has rewards beyond just the academic success of your students.   Today’s culture has embraced Humanism, and education has become the tool of choice for its delivery. As a public school educator for more than 28 years, I have witnessed the subtle yet determined focus to draw children away from biblical truths and God. Christian teachers in public education are not as free to make these connections for their students. God’s Word says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). We need to equip this generation to renew 40 their minds and defend their faith by making learning excit- ing, using technology to enhance learning, and teaching them to critically compare Christianity with other belief systems. It is imperative that Christian education points students toward making connections between life and God’s larger plan for the world.   John MacArthur Jr. writes in his book, Is the Bible Reli- able, “The Bible is the only completely trustworthy source of knowledge about God. Man can’t learn all he needs to know about God from human reason, philosophy, or even experiences. God alone is the source of the knowledge about himself, and He has chosen to reveal Himself in the Bible and in no other book.”   This is why it is so critical to provide a biblical worldview education. True knowledge comes from knowing God and applying our reasoning, philosophies, and experiences to that personal relationship.   Students need to have a safe place to express biblical views, ask the difficult questions in their studies, and build confi- dence as learners and thinkers. We also need to help them pray and discern the voice of God in their lives.   James 5:16 reminds us of this truth, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.” We need to focus our prayers for education and offering a Christian worldview to our students. Intercessory prayer for our students, the staff, and community are crucial. As teachers and administrators, we need to seek the Lord daily and discern His voice so we can be in His will and provide the excellence in education that our students deserve.   Providing opportunities for rigorous academic instruc- tion, the study of the Bible, prayer and praise, and ministry to others are all necessary components to achieving a full education. As we commit to educating children with a Christian worldview focus, we are preparing leaders for Christ. It is my passion to impart a love for learning while meeting the individual needs of all God’s precious children. The time is now to respond to God’s clear call to the task at hand.  Robin Neyer is the Preschool/Elementary Principal at Oconee Christian Academy in Seneca, South Carolina. Before accepting this position, she was an elementary gifted support teacher/trainer and primary grade teacher for more than 28 years in Pennsyl- vania and Alaska. She earned her BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Kutztown University and a Master’s Equivalency Certification from the state of Pennsylvania. In addition, she has been trained in the Slingerland Method for teaching dyslexic children. Robin is a wife, mother of two children and two stepchildren, and proud grandmother of seven amazing grandkids.