WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY-WBSU

Course Unit CODE: CE-305.

Course Unity Title: Teaching Practicum I
Academic year 2025
March block.
Lecture: Bishop Dr Antoine NZAYISENGA. (Dip. Ed; BEDA, BBS; MED, MDiv & D.C. Ed.)
WEEK ONE

Week 1: Foundations of Teaching and Christian Education

Objective:

 Understand the role of Christian education in teaching and learning.

 Christian education is more than just an academic pursuit—it is a holistic approach to teaching that
involves the intellectual, spiritual, and moral development of students. The goal is to shape students'
hearts and minds through both academic content and Christian values.

1. Philosophy and Principles of Christian Education

Definition:

Christian education refers to the process of teaching and learning based on Christian beliefs and values. It
integrates academic subjects with faith, showing how all knowledge ultimately points back to God and His
creation. It aims to develop individuals who not only excel academically but also grow spiritually and morally.

Core Philosophy:

 Bible as the Foundation: Christian education emphasizes that the Bible is the ultimate source of truth
and wisdom. It informs the worldview and moral compass that guides every area of learning. The Bible
provides principles for character development, ethics, and worldview formation.
o Example: When teaching literature, a Christian educator might focus on themes of redemption
or forgiveness, highlighting biblical truths reflected in a character's journey.
 Holistic Education: Christian education seeks to develop the whole person: intellect, character, and
spirit. It believes that students are made in the image of God and thus should be nurtured in all areas of
life—academically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
o Example: In a math lesson, a Christian educator may emphasize order and structure in the
world, reflecting the nature of God’s creation, while also discussing how honesty in solving
problems is a reflection of biblical truth.

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 WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY-WBSU
Course Unit CODE: CE-305.
Course Unity Title: Teaching Practicum I
Academic year 2025
March block.
Lecture: Bishop Dr Antoine NZAYISENGA. (Dip. Ed; BEDA, BBS; MED, MDiv & D.C. Ed.)
WEEK ONE

 Faith and Reason: Christian education holds that faith and reason are not opposing forces but
complementary. Faith in God should not be separated from academic learning. Instead, the two should
inform each other. For instance, science can reveal the intricacies of God's creation, leading to worship
and awe, rather than conflict.
o Example: When teaching science, a Christian educator might explore the natural world, noting
how its complexity and beauty point to a Creator.

Key Principles:

 Christ-Centeredness: Every aspect of Christian education, from curriculum design to classroom

behavior, should reflect Christ’s example. His life and teachings are the model for how educators should
approach their work and how students should engage with their learning.
o Example: A Christian educator in a history class may highlight the importance of justice,
humility, and servitude, values that Christ demonstrated in His life.
 Integration of Faith and Learning: Christian educators are tasked with showing students how faith
integrates into every academic discipline. The goal is not to compartmentalize faith but to weave it into
the fabric of every subject taught.
o Example: In literature classes, educators might discuss themes of good vs. evil, redemption, and
forgiveness from a Christian perspective, drawing connections to biblical narratives.
 Biblical Authority: Christian education holds the Bible as the final authority on moral and ethical
issues. All teaching is done under the premise that the Word of God is truth.
o Example: In a discussion about ethics or morality, a Christian educator would draw upon
biblical principles to guide students' understanding of right and wrong.
 Character Development: Academic success is important, but the ultimate goal of Christian education is
to develop character that reflects Christ. This means teaching virtues like love, honesty, humility,
patience, and compassion.
o Example: Classroom rules may be based on biblical principles such as “treat others as you
would want to be treated” (Matthew 7:12), creating a Christ-centered environment.

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 WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY-WBSU
Course Unit CODE: CE-305.
Course Unity Title: Teaching Practicum I
Academic year 2025
March block.
Lecture: Bishop Dr Antoine NZAYISENGA. (Dip. Ed; BEDA, BBS; MED, MDiv & D.C. Ed.)
WEEK ONE

 Love and Grace: The educator’s role is to demonstrate love, patience, and grace. This reflects God’s
love for us and teaches students how to love others in return.
o Example: Christian educators should forgive students who make mistakes and guide them with
understanding, showing Christ-like mercy in their approach.

2. The Importance of Integrating Faith and Learning in Lesson Planning

Rationale for Integration:

Christian education teaches that all knowledge, no matter the subject, is God’s truth. Therefore, every lesson
should help students see how their faith relates to the subject matter at hand. This integration ensures that
students are not just learning facts but are also developing their spiritual and moral capacities.

 Faith in Science: For example, a biology teacher might discuss evolution and creation, showing how
the complexity and order of the universe reflect God’s design.
 Faith in History: History lessons can address the role of faith in shaping societies, laws, and
movements. For instance, discussing the abolition of slavery through the lens of Christian teachings on
human dignity.

Strategies for Integration:

 Biblical Perspectives: Every lesson plan should incorporate biblical perspectives on the topic. For
instance, a history lesson on the American Civil Rights Movement could include the biblical principle of
justice, highlighting how Christian leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. were motivated by their faith.
 Christian Worldview: Encourage students to reflect on how their faith shapes their understanding of
the world around them. This can be done by asking questions like, “How does this lesson align with
God’s will?” or “How can we apply biblical principles in our learning?”
 Practical Application: Teach students how to apply Christian principles to real-life situations. For
instance, teaching ethics in a business class might involve discussing the role of integrity in business
dealings.

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 WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY-WBSU
Course Unit CODE: CE-305.
Course Unity Title: Teaching Practicum I
Academic year 2025
March block.
Lecture: Bishop Dr Antoine NZAYISENGA. (Dip. Ed; BEDA, BBS; MED, MDiv & D.C. Ed.)
WEEK ONE

Challenges in Integration:

 Balancing Secular and Christian Standards: Educators face the challenge of meeting academic
standards while staying true to their Christian beliefs. It requires creativity and intentional planning to
ensure that both goals are met.
 Diversity of Faith: Not all students in Christian educational settings may hold the same level of
commitment to the Christian faith, so educators must be respectful and sensitive while still promoting
biblical truths.

3. Overview of the Christian Educator’s Responsibilities and Calling

The Calling of a Christian Educator:

The Christian educator is not simply fulfilling a job but answering a divine calling. Christian educators are
tasked with shaping not only the intellect but also the hearts and souls of students. It’s a responsibility that
requires spiritual discernment, a commitment to excellence, and a heart for discipleship.

 Servant Leadership: Drawing from the example of Christ, who served rather than being served (Mark
10:45), Christian educators are called to lead by serving. They must model humility, patience, and
kindness.
 Spiritual Mentorship: Beyond academic instruction, Christian educators are spiritual mentors, guiding
students in their faith journey and encouraging them to grow in their relationship with God.

Responsibilities:

 Spiritual Formation: Christian educators help students grow spiritually, nurturing their faith through
prayer, Bible study, and discussions about the Christian life.

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 WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY-WBSU
Course Unit CODE: CE-305.
Course Unity Title: Teaching Practicum I
Academic year 2025
March block.
Lecture: Bishop Dr Antoine NZAYISENGA. (Dip. Ed; BEDA, BBS; MED, MDiv & D.C. Ed.)
WEEK ONE

 Role Modeling: Educators are expected to demonstrate Christ-like qualities in the classroom, setting an
example through their own conduct. This includes being honest, compassionate, and demonstrating a
servant heart.
 Disciple-Making: The ultimate goal of Christian education is discipleship—helping students understand
their identity in Christ and empowering them to live according to biblical values.

Qualities of a Christian Educator:

 Passion for Christ: A genuine love for Christ and His Word is fundamental to Christian education. This
passion should be evident in the way educators engage with students and curriculum.
 Compassion and Empathy: Teachers must deeply care about their students’ well-being and growth—
emotionally, spiritually, and academically.
 Commitment to Excellence: A Christian educator should not only aim for academic excellence but also
strive for excellence in the way they model Christian values and ethics.

4. Identifying the Key Differences in Teaching within Christian Contexts

Christian education often involves specialized teaching areas, including Bible teaching, ethics, and discipleship,
which require a unique approach.

Key Areas of Christian Education:

1. Teaching the Bible:

Bible teaching is central to Christian education. Educators must help students understand the historical
context, narrative, and theological significance of Scripture, while also guiding them in how to apply it
in their daily lives.
2. Christian Ethics:
This involves teaching students biblical standards of morality and ethics, such as honesty, integrity, love,
and justice. It equips students to make decisions that align with Christian values.
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 WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY-WBSU
Course Unit CODE: CE-305.
Course Unity Title: Teaching Practicum I
Academic year 2025
March block.
Lecture: Bishop Dr Antoine NZAYISENGA. (Dip. Ed; BEDA, BBS; MED, MDiv & D.C. Ed.)
WEEK ONE

3. Discipleship:
Discipleship involves more than just academic instruction. It’s about fostering spiritual growth in
students and encouraging them to live out their faith. Educators mentor students in their walk with God,
guiding them in prayer, service, and community involvement.

Distinctives of Christian Teaching in These Contexts:

 Biblical Foundation: All teaching in a Christian context is underpinned by biblical truths. Even when
discussing secular subjects, Christian educators find ways to draw connections to God’s Word.
 Spiritual Formation: The focus is on developing both the intellect and the spirit of students. The goal is
to produce not just knowledgeable students but Christ-like individuals.

Activity: Reflective Discussion on the Role of a Christian Educator

Objective:

Encourage personal reflection on what it means to be a Christian educator, focusing on calling, responsibilities,
and the integration of faith into teaching.

Discussion Prompts:

 What led you to pursue Christian education as a career? Reflect on personal experiences or spiritual
moments that directed you toward this calling.
 How do you view the integration of faith in teaching? How will you ensure your lessons reflect both
academic content and biblical truth?
 What does it mean to serve your students? Discuss how you will model servant leadership in the
classroom.

Conclusion
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 WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY-WBSU
Course Unit CODE: CE-305.
Course Unity Title: Teaching Practicum I
Academic year 2025
March block.
Lecture: Bishop Dr Antoine NZAYISENGA. (Dip. Ed; BEDA, BBS; MED, MDiv & D.C. Ed.)
WEEK ONE

Christian education is a high calling that involves integrating faith with learning, developing both the mind and
the spirit, and modeling Christ-like behavior. In this foundational week, students should understand that
teaching in a Christian context is not just about delivering content, but about shaping lives and guiding students
toward a deeper relationship with God.

Suggested Reading:

 "Teaching for Change: A Christian Perspective" by Dr. Robert J. Pazmiño

 "The Call to Teach: An Invitation to Christian Educators" by G. C. Berkouwer
 "Teaching to Change Lives" by Howard G. Hendricks

These readings provide deeper insights into the philosophy of Christian education and practical strategies for
integrating faith and learning in the classroom.

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Here is this week’s lesson in a word.doc, a pdf doc, and an MP4 video then you are required to watch it and
gain all the needed information from this course, which will prepare you for your quiz following this week’s
lesson.

Remember that you must do your lesson each week, do all five of your quizzes, and then following week five,
you will have a Final Exam covering all 5 weeks of this course; may Almighty God bless you and wish you
success in your lesson.

Thank you for choosing WBSU as your learning institution and being with us in this lesson then, for
being a student at WBSU is a blessing to us. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!