10 Ways to Increase Biblical Perspective

Michael Essenburg | December 2008

Looking for ways to help your students increase their understanding and use a Biblical perspective?

Here's a list of 10 ideas:

1. Demonstrate to your students that you value using a Biblical perspective by giving and grading assignments that require students to demonstrate their understanding of and ability to use a Biblical perspective.

2. Teach your students three Biblical truths, for example, human beings are created in God's image, Christians are not to practice favoritism, and language is a gift from God. Post these truths on your bulletin board, and refer to them throughout the year.

3. Before assigning an essay requiring students to use a Biblical perspective, have your students read two or more sample essays that demonstrate using a Biblical perspective effectively.

4. Regularly explain how your faith informs your selection of content, assessment, and instruction. For example, explain to your students that they are going to learn about ecology because God commands us to take care of His world.

5. Teach key vocabulary: Biblical perspective, integration of faith and learning, image bearer, temple of the Holy Spirit, and worldview.

6. Use engaging instructional strategies like discussion and debate.

7. Ask open-ended questions: Where do I belong? What's wrong? How can I use my gifts and learning to serve God and others?

8. Give your students time to reflect in class. During each unit, have your students journal about connections between their faith and what they are studying.

9. Give assignments that require your students to connect course content, their lives, and a Biblical perspective: "Write a 500-word critique of a favorite song from a Biblical perspective. Explain the author's meaning, the literary and poetic techniques the author uses to communicate the meaning, evaluate that meaning from a Biblical perspective, and weave in your response to the lyrics."

10. In each unit, give your students practice using a Biblical perspective. Have them do case studies, projects, and presentations.

Michael Essenburg, MA, serves as coach and consultant at Christian Academy in Japan.