AC

Alphacrucis College

Details for The Educator’s Journey

Quick Info

  • Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
  • Course code: EDU422
  • Credit points: 9

Prerequisites

EDU401 Foundations in Christian Teaching and Learning. (note where qualified teachers are taking this as an elective or compulsory core unit, it is possible to attend only the first half of the Orientation Week and not do EDU402 Human Society in the Environment: Platforms and Perspectives for the Christian Educator.)

The unit The Educator’s Journey is part of the subject area Education and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Master of Teaching (Primary) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This unit is designed to help the Pre-Service Teacher/ Teacher grow in their knowledge of and relationship with God. Specifically, the unit addresses spiritual formation and the steps of maturing into a Christ-centred Christian. They will be encouraged to reflect on their personal faith journey; understand their beliefs in relation to other denominations and religions; and explore how the construct of their faith as educators can transform their teaching practice and impact their relationships with parents, children and staff.The Teachers Transformational Helix (introduced in EDU401 Foundations in Christian Teaching and Learning), will provide the framework for this unit. Pre-Service Teachers/Teachers who wish to develop a greater knowledge in some of the concepts of this unit such as:- the nature of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, may choose the elective EDU510 Christian Worldview.

Subject Content

Central truths of spiritual formation- renovations of the heart

(a)    God’s initiative, God’s grace

(b)   Moving from self-worship to Christ-centred self denial, after the altar-call

(c)    Becoming Christlike in thought, emotions, will, behaviour and social interactions, life of discipleship (WWJD)

(d)   False attempts at change, off loading the baggage, repentance and forgiveness

(e)    Hitting the wall, crash of beliefs

(f)    Losing the inner character, searching our heart- fearless inventory, putting on the new

(g)    Fruits of the Spirit- authentic transformation (mind/thought life; mind/feelings; heart/will; body; social dimension; soul)

(h)   Vision and intention – Spiritual change, engaging Christian disciplines, living eternity now

(i)     Not perfect yet, resources for temptation,

(j)     Love for the world

The Transformational Helix in the Life of the Educator

Being Transformed into the Image of God

(a)    The place of personal beliefs and doctrines

(b)   The nature of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

(c)    Human identity and our origin in God

(d)   Spiritual disciplines of the Word and prayer

(e)    Mapping life’s influences and spiritual journey

(f)    Identifying personal beliefs and doctrines

(g)    Comparative religions

(h)   Denominational differences in Christian churches

Being called for a Purpose and a Plan

(a)    Stages of moral and spiritual development

(b)   Personality profiles, Love languages

(c)    Emotional Intelligence

(d)   Me, the Educator – the construct of character

·         Living in Community with the Body of Christ

(a)    Interpersonal and Communication skills

(b)   Prioritising and Time Management for a healthy body, mind and spirit

(c)    Journeying life with others in the educational arena

·         Shine into the World

(a)    The great Commission- defining our world

(b)   Salt and Light- defining causes and moral issues

(c)    The main game- (not) getting distracted

(d)   Global networks- enlarging our territory

This course may be offered in the following formats

This unit is based on a mixed-mode delivery of: 2 @ 2 day face to face intensive workshops followed by learning using web-based on -line discussion, course materials and readings forwarded throughout the semester, and assignments. Four on-line discussion forums will be held throughout the semester. Each of the four aspects of The Teacher’s Transformational Helix will be taken in turn and discussed informally as Pre-Service Teachers/Teachers and faculty seek to understand their own spiritual struggles. Opportunities for prayer and support will be encouraged.

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis College.

Assessment Methods

Personal Journal (5%)

A reflective journal is to be kept throughout the duration of this unit.  Journal entries should be made at least weekly. Although not graded, this journal is to be submitted for sighting for the successful completion of this unit, and will be required as a resource for the major assessment. 

Minor Assessment– Research assignment and 2000 word essay (40%)

Due Week 7

Interview one educator with a religious world view (not necessarily Christian or from your denomination), with the purpose of understanding their belief and major doctrines. Determine how their spiritual journey and belief system have influenced them as educators and how they are currently demonstrated in their teaching. Describe your impressions, including what has impacted you from this discussion, noting any differences to your own belief system and how this conversation may influence and shape your own teaching practice.  A transcript of the interview must be submitted with the essay but may not be included in the final word count. (anonymity of the interviewee, will be respected)

NOTE: Students are to bring this assignment with them to the second face-to-face intensive for sharing with colleagues.

Major Assessment – 3000 words Due Week 13 (55%)

Reflect on your own emotional and spiritual journey. With reference to the materials presented in the unit and outside sources), examine your character construct, personality profile and traits, and your interpersonal and communication skills. In this light, consider the challenges you may personally encounter as an educator, how this might impact on other staff, students and parents and the ways you could benefit from establishing and/or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Reference to resources and a plan you intend to follow should be included.

Prescribed Text

Representative References

Additional References

Journals and Associations

Websites