DR. RIVERS MEDIA AND ELITE TV CREATE MEDIA EDUCATION SYSTEM

Prof. Rivers, Dr. Ornales, Lil' Battleaxe Ornales

Two international media organizations create partnership to develop a biblical media and entertainment education system.  Founder and President of Elite TV and SOG Media, Dr. Robert Ornales, a renowned music and entertainment guru, has partnered with Prof. Clyde Rivers, Founder of Dr. Rivers Media and International Ministers Education Association, IMEA. Together they realize people have not been trained in solid ethical principles, as outlined in the bible, as a guide to excellence. Prof. Rivers says, “We want to teach the next generation how to engage in media and entertainment from a Godly perspective that builds up and gives back to society.”

Both of these organizations feel there must be a change in order to bring good back to the media and the entertainment world. This training system will be completed within the next couple of months and we look forward to its release. It’s time to change the world.

How Do I Become a Transformative Teacher? – Part 3 By Prof. Michal Pitzl

Prof. Michal Pitzl

Below are three keys to becoming a Transformative Teacher. I have listed a few practical things you can implement in your teaching practices. Start with one and commit to the process. You will not do it perfect in the beginning, but that is part of learning new skills. Always reflect on your teachings. Ask yourself: What went well and what can I do to improve the next time? In this way you become a positive role model for others, showing them how to engage in the learning process.

Use these techniques and see the results for yourself. Only then will they become a part of your teaching philosophy and methodology. Use them enough and they will become second nature.

Ø Clear Targets: Before you teach clearly state the learning targets/objectives. Make them visible for people to see (i.e. on paper, on the chalkboard, or have them write them down.) Clear targets will be guides for your instruction and for your people as they learn new things. Refer to the targets often during instruction, to keep your teaching purposeful. *If you find that something you are teaching or doing does not refer to one of the targets, do not do it. It is okay to change your teaching plans. This shows professionalism, and that you know your teaching targets and you know how to teach them. It is also a great model for your people to see that learning means we must be willing to change and grow.

Ø Frequent Feedback: This type of feedback helps to form your teaching as well as what your people are learning. Ask the questions: How do I know if the people understand what I am teaching? How do I give the people a chance to respond to what they are learning? The following ideas can be used after teaching a new concept, during group discussion or independent activity.

Ø Questioning:

§       Exit Cards: People write down one thing they learned and one question they have and turn it in before they leave. You can choose to address them or not, but it gives you new perspectives and an idea of what your people learned.

§       Quick Checks: Questions during teaching to engage people in dialogue. These provide you with immediate information about people’s learning. It also gives them a way to process what they are learning.

Ø Observations: Gather evidence of learning during dialogue, group work, presentations, etc.

Ø Discussion: Discussion allows you to hear the people’s understanding of a learning target. You are also able to ask guiding questions to check for understanding.

Ø Think-Pair-Share: This is a three step process: Give people time to think about a concept, then have them pair up with another person and share their thinking with the other. You can walk around and observe and listen to check for understanding. Finally, pairs get up and share their thinking with the whole group (this is optional). This technique gives people the time and opportunity to process their own thinking as well as gain new insights from a peer.

Ø Informed Teaching: As a teacher, you must review the information from frequent feedback in order to inform your teaching. It is your responsibility to design your teaching to meet the needs of your people and get them to understand and use the learning targets. Based on feedback you can prepare to answer questions, re-teach a missed concept in a way that people can better understand, or even skip a learning target and move forward if your students prove mastery of the subject.

During this process, think: How will I create a learning atmosphere that will make my people feel safe and free to ask for help if they need it or share their unique opinions?

Why Should We Use Transformative Teaching Methods? - Part 2 by Prof. Michal Pitzl

Pastors and laymen are considered teachers as Jesus says in Matthew 28:19-20. We are to go into all nations and make disciples, teaching people to obey God.

As Christian educators we need to understand the purpose of our teachings. Without purpose it is difficult to make meaning of and stay focused on the path on which we are leading our people. In Ephesians 4:12-14 Paul tells us the purpose of teaching God’s word: “to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” (NIV) God’s people must become confident in God, not man. They must have a solid understanding of the character and promises of God according to His word.

As teachers we need to look at the purpose of our teaching and the results of what traditional teaching methods have produced in our societies. Have traditional methods produced mature people who are active thinkers and problem solvers? Have our teachings served the children of God, causing them to grow in maturity, attaining to the fullness of Christ? What is the evidence in our communities, our countries and the world that these methods are effective in creating mature and confident Christians?

As pastors and teachers we are to produce mature believers, believers that can solve their own problems as well as help others.

Is the word of God being taught in a way that is beneficial to the majority of the world today? Is scripture being made relevant to the lives of the people? Are they able to practice the principles of the Kingdom of God outside of the church and without the help of pastors? Are Christians leading victorious and prosperous lives? Our goal should be to produce confident and victorious individuals based on the word of God. As leaders we do not need to be threatened by this, but have faith that as we do the will of God He will sustain us according to scripture. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” Matt. 6:33 (NIV).

Maybe after honestly considering the answers to these questions you will begin to consider becoming a pioneer for Transformative Education in ministry.

Transformative Education is not a new concept, as a matter of fact many American and international institutions implement the techniques of this kind of education. Through experience nationally and internationally I have found that people who experience this type of education become confident creators and problem solvers. They become empowered people of action and not of theory only. They become the true image of the children of God.

PEACEMAKERS – By Pastor Linda Robinson

Pastor Linda Robinson -
California, USA

Matthew 5:9 “Happy are those who strive for peace-they shall be called the sons of God.”

We as sons of God are called to be peacemakers (makers and maintainers of peace); and inspired to create, seek and pursue peace (Psalms 34:14). Our resources and strength comes from the One who is “The Prince of Peace” and the God of Peace” (Isaiah.9:6; Rom.15:33). God has called us to promote, produce and delight in breathing His love, mercy, forgiveness and wisdom into the lives of people. He uses us as vessels to take the Spirit of life and peace, causing reconciliation (mutual change, agreement and harmony) by forming and coming together as a whole, and making a difference in the lives of others.

With the rise of conflict and conflicting issues, struggles and sufferings with many people worldwide, it is obvious that people need help. We, as ministers and leaders, have a mandate from God to be that bridge of help. God’s plan and purpose is that we conform to the image and likeness of His Son (Rom. 8:28-29), grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (II Pet. 3:18). As we mature in the midst of our conflicts and sufferings, it causes us to be more like Him.

The church can affect the world and have a greater impact, local and worldwide, when we step into our position of authority (strong and mighty), utilize the gifts that Christ bestowed unto us, by preparing His Bride in perfecting and full equipping, to do the work of ministering toward building up His body (Eph. 4:8-13). In addition, building strong relationships with those we are trying to reach, illuminating God’s love and inciting a new and different vision of our thinking, for others and ourselves who are dealing with a false identity of being a Christian. With this in place, many will come to know the truth, be fruitful as we fill the earth using all its resources in the service of God and man.

JUNE 4TH IN CLACKAMAS, OREGON - HISTORIC DAY FOR KAYIWA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, UGANDA AFRICA

Dr. Donella Pitzl, Dr. Harry Coffman, Dr. Rachael Schweiger, and Dr. Michal Pitzl

Kayiwa International University added to their facility and staff, their first International Professors. Dr. Michal Pitzl and Dr. Donella Pitzl were installed on Saturday, June 4, 2011 to the position of, International Professors for KIU. Dr. Harry Coffman was a guest speaker at the event that took place in Clackamas, Oregon.

Dr. Rivers, International Chancellor for Kayiwa International University, Uganda Africa, who performed the duty, said, “These two ladies have been installed in this position because of their biblical academic work. Dr. Michal Pitzl has created several international programs pertaining to a biblical worldview that have gone global. Dr. Donella Pitzl has been the mastermind behind bringing online education to the developing nations. These two achievements caught the eye of Dr. Simon Kayiwa, Founder of Kayiwa International University, Uganda and he was thrilled to induct these two ladies to his staff.”

During this historic service there was also an Honorary Doctorate bestowed upon Dr. Rachael Schweiger. She received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from KIU. Dr. Schweiger received the honor for her outstanding work in creating a Critical Communications curriculum that she has taught internationally and is being used globally.

Dr. Rivers said, “He is very proud of these three top achievers. When you think of changing the world, you must leave your small world. These three professional educators have done that.”

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IMEA is very excited about the educational opportunities available to pastors and teachers around the world. We believe everyone is created with special qualities that God placed in them. We are dedicated to helping God's people find and expand upon those qualities and become those professionals that change the world. Contact us for information about these opportunities at imea.drrivers.worldwide@gmail.com.

Transformative Education, Part 1, by Professor Michal Pitzl

Professor Michal  P. Pitzl
Chancellor for Education Worldwide - United Graduate College and Seminary

What is Transformative Education?

A transformative education is one that is dramatically different in form from what we have experienced in the past. If we wish to make a difference through education then we must change the way we teach. Think about the traditional model of education. What would a dramatic change in form look like? If we really ask this question and search to find the answer we may come up with these ideas:

Ø    Students are in charge of their learning.

Ø    Instructors teach based on the needs of their students.

Ø    Students understand why they are learning.

Ø    The purpose of learning is bigger than a passing grade on an exam, and instruction reflects this idea.

Ø    Students learn independence in learning and problem solving.

Ø    Students can do what they are learning, outside of the classroom.

Ø    Students become confident in their educated opinions and abilities.

Ø    Instructors give clear and focused targets and clearly communicate the purpose of learning activities.

Ø    Instructors provide students with collaborative and independent work times to practice the skills being taught.

Ø    Instructors become facilitators and guides during practice times.

Ø    Instructors provide constructive feedback on assessments.

Please watch for part 2 of this training information. I sincerely hope that it encourages you as you seek to educate those God has called you to. Blessings!

Professor Michal Pitzl

Burundi Africa to Partner with Latin University of Theology International Chaplain Program

Honorary Ambassador of Republic of Burundi Africa, Dr. Clyde Rivers, is working to bring Latin University of Theology International Chaplain Program to the country of Burundi. The LUT Chaplain Program does chaplain work in multiple sectors of society. This Christian based International Chaplain Program has the ability to bring a kingdom of God perspective to the work of a chaplain.

Dr. Clyde Rivers, International Commissioner for LUT says, “The chaplains trained by LUT are state approved and at the top of the field. I look forward to partnering this International Chaplain Program with the Republic of Burundi.”