Graduate School -Year 2

I have severely neglected my blog as of late. I thought it would be appropriate to update it with a few of my activities from graduate school this summer.

Living in the clouds 

I am attending Covenant College's Master's of Education program with an emphasis in Integrated Curriculum and Instruction. It's a flexible, distance learning and low residency program that works great for living overseas.  My graduate classes year runs from March to December. The first few months (March-June) are spent independently reading, reflecting and writing papers. Then I come to Lookout Mountain, Georgia for three weeks for face-to-face instruction and interaction with classmates.  The classes are 30 hours of instruction with homework assigned most evenings. After leaving campus, I have larger projects and assignments that are directly related to teaching and applying what I studied. These papers are typically due between November and January. I have a short break before beginning all over again!  Whew! If you think that's a lot to do you are right.  However, I am very grateful for this opportunity. God is using it in so many ways in my life.

Beautiful mountain view

Week 1: Learning Theories Applied to Instruction
The focus of this class was to look at learning theories such as behaviorism, constructivism, cognitive information processing, and meaningful learning theory to help us grow in developing our philosophy of education and Biblical framework for education. My classmates and I studied these theories with an discerning heart and eye for God's common grace and goodness along with distortions from the fall.  All this concluded with a reflection of our own 'pedagogical sanctification' as our beloved teacher called it.

A mind map of my week

Pedagogical sanctification at work

God continues to challenge and sanctify me as I learn more about education and Him. So, pedagogical sanctification is how God is growing me and sanctifying me as an educator.  
The main lesson so far is I will NEVER be a perfect teacher. Ascribing to one particular method of teaching does not make me better or more holy than another teacher. Yet, I need to strive to balance multiple learning theories in order to fully develop students to their God-given potential. 
My sanctification as a teacher is not done but perhaps with critical reflection, and the work of the Holy Spirit I will be more equipped to point my students to Christ, our only hope. 

Great American pastime

Outside class, I am enjoying my cohort while living in the dorms together.  We are quite the international bunch of 14 representing South Africa, China, various parts of the east coast and me an international teacher. I am thankful for their friendship and journeying with me through these classes.  I have been getting my fill of American culture and introduction to Southern culture. Last weekend we ventured to a local minor league baseball game and to a nearby church for Sunday worship.