I heard of a new trend in education this morning that has bothered me all day -- unschooling. The concept is that kids learn best when they are totally free to discover whatever they want, however they want.
On the other hand, most educators believe that proper education involves very specific strategies that will propel the student in a preferred direction. Here are some analogies:
Have you ever seen a tree that was not staked early? Our neighbors have 2 very tall trees that lean awkwardly because they were never directed when they were young. Environmental influence attracted one tree to the South and the other toward the Southwest so that neither one is capable of growing straight.
When a bone is broken, doctors set the bone and place it in a splint or cast for several weeks then when the cast is removed, the bone will remain straight as it continues to harden.
When a bullet is shot out of a handgun, the barrel has only about 4 inches to determine the trajectory of the ammunition that will continue on for hundreds of yards.
As small group leaders and Christian Education teachers, we are not the landscaper, the physician or the marksman. That role is reserved for God Himself who directs the hearts of individuals. But that does not mean we are to become totally passive and allow the student to determine his own course.
We have the privilege of being the soft bands that keeps the sapling close to the stake while the trunk becomes strong. We get to be the cast material that supports and caresses the limb while restoration takes place. We are the rifling inside the barrel that assists the bullet in moving consistently in the direction the barrel is pointed.
What other analogies are helpful to you as you consider that God has specific plans for your students? They aren't your plans, they aren't the plans of the student, but we cooperate with God to accomplish His intention in the lives of those we have been called to lead.
No comments:
Post a Comment