HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE NEW GENERATION EDUCATOR

Ivan Dumace Chihale

Ivan won the "Instructor of the Year Award" with United Graduate College and Seminary International. Ivan lives is Mozumbaque and is a graduate of United Graduate College and Seminary International. Ivan wrote the following article on being a New Generation Educator.
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The society in which we live is profoundly permeated by the knowledge and abilities elaborated through the formal schooling processes. And the school, whilst being a modern institution, is therefore co-responsible for the shaping of individuals, acting together with other universal institutions such as the family and religion (church), in this task of conveying education to people. Education is at the heart of human progress. The very best educational systems have as their own “purpose of education which is to prepare people to be successful, productive, and engaged members of society, and in so doing, shape sustainable societies, enhance economies, and improve lives.”(Cisco)

Education has been fundamental for development in any society, and the teacher ought to be a promoter and mediator of the learning process. In Mozambique and elsewhere, in order for this task to be successfully undertaken, it is important that the curriculum be designed with relevant and practical subjects. Curriculum should enable and stimulate a practical learning process in order to produce thinkers who aim to produce knowledge and followers. “Today, education is undergoing change at an unprecedented rate. Today’s students need new skills, taught in new ways. Teachers need to develop new material and deliver it differently.”(Libane) Which means learning in new ways: solving real problems, using multiple disciplines, etc. Countries that fail to invest in education and their students (or invest in the wrong areas) will be left behind. Being an effective new generation educator, one has to believe, receive, and have the Holy Spirit as the dependable helper. The Holy Spirit teaches, inspires, guides, and gives wisdom. Being an effective new generation educator also means:

Becoming more a researcher than transmitter: “A true teacher is the one who, amongst other aspects, knows how to, listen, to observe, to reflect and to prospect always.”(Labaneo) As once was said, “Each classroom is a research project.”(Pitzl) In so being, becoming an effective new generation educator means also that, the educator has to know how to equate the subjects and activities, analyze mistakes, make suitable questions, formulate hypothesis, systematize contents, output information and evaluate the learning process. The educator today is not only the one who educates, but one who also learns continually, in a horizontal, human and reciprocal educator-learner relationship. No one is born a master, but masters are made. “A professional is not who knows everything, but he who masters one knowledge.”(Rivers)

Human nature Comprehension: Everyone who deals with human nature has to know something about what he deals with; and in knowing the human nature it is important to state that the most important element in order to become an effective educator is to know what the educator is, in himself. All will agree that an example is worth more than merely words, and Jesus gave us the example on this. That is why is said of Him, “He was the greatest educator in the history. He transformed the dry ground of human personality in a garden of dreams.”(Cury) John 2:25 says, “And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.”(Bible) “Jesus, having this comprehension of the human nature, could unmask the abilities of His learners, as well as their needs, attitudes, and motives, and taught them in the light of what they knew.”(Price)

Willingness to serve and believe in the transforming power of teaching (Price): This also goes together with preparing the individual to deal the uncertainty, with the complexity in decision making, and being responsible for that decision: To be an effective educator in our world today, it means to prepare the society to live together in a changing world, where things and people move quickly, knowledge is renewed daily, and distances shorten rapidly. The Master was not teaching the truth only, but He was teaching people, and the Scriptures and other materials were just the means to get this goal achieved. Even the Bible highlights that, those are not an end, but they, as it states in 2 Tim 3:16,17 “Are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”(Bible)  

Be more reflexive than “a memorizer: This means have the ability to face the unforeseen, know how to live and be sociable, being able to create, criticize, question and learn in a significant way, also considering diverse points of view for problem solving. “Add value to each individual’s ideas”(Pitzl)

Conclusion: “Today's economic and social realities require changes to the ways education is delivered, and today's educators must be able to use technology to facilitate learning and help students excel in the global community.”(Cisco) The main goal of an effective educator is not only to convey knowledge, because these are available and easily accessible by the learners; the objective now is to develop competencies and abilities, and produce thinkers. The major challenges for today’s educators are to teach students how to become learners, develop competencies and prepare them for a world in constant transformation. “Truth in the tomb helps no one; truth in the womb gives birth.”(Rivers)  As professional educators and instructors we must produce professional results and know that we are called to challenge and encourage each single individual to give birth to the truth and gifts hidden inside each man. As it is said in 2 Tim 2:2, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”(Bible)

REFERENCES
BIBLE, King James Version
CURY, Augusto, O MESTRE INESQUECÍVEL. São Paulo: Academia de Inteligência, 2003.220p.
http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le21/downloads/689/educause.pdf
LIBANEO, José Carlos. DIDACTICS, Cortez Publisher, 1994
PITZL, Professor Michal P.
PRICE, J.M., JESUS THE TEACHER, 3rd edition, Juerp, 1980
RIVERS, Professor Clyde

Testimony of Daniel Migosi - Kenyan Pastor and Life Coach

Daniel Migosi

This man is a Masters graduate of United Graduate College and Seminary International and also holds a Master Life Coach Certification with our International Coaching Schools (UACCMI). He is a man of God that loves helping people. It is truly a blessing when you are able to help people around the globe. You just never know where your seeds will end up when you sow in God's garden. I submitted and inquiry regarding his desire to do his doctorate work with UGCS International and how things are going for him and this is what he wrote.

Prof. Donella,
"Next year I will do all I can to complete the course. I also miss your lessons and mentorship. But all is not in vain in that you are still affecting very many people through me in Kenya. You are a jewel that cannot be forgotten. Every coaching I do is bended with my prestigious MCL knowledge and its is doing wonders. Thank you and God bless you."


If you are interested in acquiring a Biblical Education or Christian Life Coaching Education, contact my office at ugcs.dpitzl@yahoo.com or uaccmi.coaching@yahoo.com.


Blessings, Prof. Donella

United Graduate College and Seminary Student - Article 3 on Leadership

Gilbert Quarcoopome

Gilbert brings this third of four articles on Leadership. He is a graduate student of United Graduate College and Seminary International. He has his Bachelor of Christian Leadership and is looking to begin his Masters program soon. Gilbert lives in Ghana Africa and does his studies online from his home with UGCS International.

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This brings me to next point which implies that Christian leadership is more of servant leadership as stated in Mark 10:42-45

1. Servant Leadership is not Self-Centered - Matthew 20:20-28

The servant leader is not preoccupied with what they gain from leadership. They are not interested in status - they are happy to see others promoted ahead of them. Neither are they concerned with comfort - they willingly undergo hardship and suffering.

2. Servant Leadership is Others-Centered - John 13:3-16

The servant leader willingly humbles oneself in order to meet the needs of others. They are not too important or dignified to undertake even the lowest of tasks and they do so with no thought of personal gain.

3. Servant Leadership is God Honoring - Philippians 3:3-11

The servant leader follows the example of Jesus and gladly relinquishes status and power for the benefit of others. They do not hang on to leadership because they know it is not a privilege to be contested, but an honor to be conferred.

Servant leadership is best defined by Jesus Himself: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20:26-28). In the Christian realm, all leadership should be servant leadership.

A common misconception among those who want to exercise a leadership role over others is that it comes with glory, power, and positions of honor. In fact, such a mistaken belief was the occasion for Jesus’ words in the above passage. James and John had just asked Jesus to place them at His side when He assumed His throne in the kingdom to come. As a result, the other disciples became indignant at the arrogance of their request (Mark 10:41). And as an object lesson, Jesus modeled the true servant style of leadership. He, the Lord incarnate, bent down and washed their feet, teaching them the true measure of leading by first serving others (John 13:12-17).

The word “servant” in Matt 20:27 means, “slave.” Not every servant was a slave, but every slave was a servant. It is a sad commentary in the church today that we have many celebrities, but very few servants. There are many who want to “exercise authority” (Matt 20:25), but few want to take the towel and basin and wash feet. Paul reminds us that our attitude is to be like that of Christ’s in that we consider others better than ourselves and do nothing out of vanity or selfishness. Rather we look out for the interests of others (Phil 2:3-4). In this sense, then, every Christian is a servant.

The fourth and final part of this article will be posted soon. 

Gilbert from Ghana, Part 2 on Leadership

Gilbert Quarcoopome

Gilbert is a graduate of United Graduate College and Seminary International. He has completed his Bachelor of Christian Leadership and will resume his studies for his Masters soon. This is part 2 of a 4-part writing on Christian Leadership. See part 1 in previous posting.
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The Christian leader also comforts the sheep, binding up their wounds and applying the balm of compassion and love. As the great Shepherd of Israel, the Lord Himself promised to “bind up the injured and strengthen the weak” (Eze 34:16). As Christians in the world today, we suffer many injuries to our spirits, and we need compassionate leaders who will bear our burdens with us, sympathize with our circumstances, exhibit patience toward us, encourage us in the Word, and bring our concerns before the Father’s throne.

Just as the shepherd uses his crook to pull a wandering sheep back into the fold, so the Christian leader corrects and disciplines those in his care when they go astray. Without rancor or an overbearing spirit, but with a “spirit of gentleness” (Gal 6:2), those in leadership must correct according to scriptural principles. Correction or discipline is never a pleasant experience for either party, but the Christian leader who fails in this area is not exhibiting love for those in his care. “The LORD disciplines those he loves” (Prov 3:12), and the Christian leader must follow His example.

The final role of the Christian leader is that of protector. The shepherd who was lax in this area soon found that he regularly lost sheep to the predators who prowled around—and sometimes among—his flock. The predators today are those who try to lure the sheep away with false doctrine, dismissing the Bible as quaint and old fashioned, insufficient, unclear, or unknowable. These lies are spread by those against whom Jesus warned us:  “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matt 7:15). Our leaders must protect us from the false teachings of those who would lead us astray from the truth of the Scripture and the fact that Christ alone is the way of salvation (John 14:6).

“Under the plan of God those whom God designates as leaders are called not to be governing monarchs, but humble slaves; not slick celebrities, but laboring servants. Those who would lead God's people must above all exemplify sacrifice, devotion, submission, and lowliness. Jesus Himself gave us the pattern when He stooped to wash His disciples' feet, a task that was customarily done by the lowest of slaves (John 13). If the Lord of the universe would do that, no Christian leader has a right to think of himself as a bigwig.”

Christian Leadership – Part 1 by Gilbert Quarcoopome, Ghana Africa

Gilbert Quarcoopome

Gilbert Quarcoopome lives in Ghana Africa. He has a Bachelors of Christian Leadership with United Graduate College and Seminary International and is preparing for his Masters program. This is part 1 of a 4-part article on Christian Leadership.

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One of the most difficult roles ever in this life in my opinion is Christian Leadership. In describing Christian leadership we need to recognize that it operates in two realms: the spiritual and the physical. An adequate definition therefore must recognize that while the Christian leader is called to operate in the physical realm in order to do so effectively and be efficient they must, as a matter of priority, also draw upon the resources offered through the spiritual realm from the original source, which is God Almighty. This means having a gift of leadership conferred by God, which is developed through an intimacy with Him and honed by instruction in leadership principles and skills. Together these lead to the insight and influence necessary to lead effectively.

The Christian leader must first be “Spiritually” connected to its source and a “Leader” second. There is no better and finer example for Christian leadership than what our Lord Jesus Christ showed us whiles on earth when He declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” – (John 10:11). It is within this verse that we see the perfect description of a Christian leader. He is one who acts as a shepherd to those “sheep” in his care. Also in Mk 10:42-45, Jesus explained clearly the principle under girding Christian leadership in which those who rule must not lord it over them but rather seek to serve.

Based on these two scriptures, I believe that the real definition and function of a Christian leader is clearly stated without ambiguity. We would therefore, look at a few characteristics of a Christian leader from these two passages.

When Jesus called us His sheep, He was saying that without a shepherd, we are helpless. The shepherd is one who has several roles in regard to his sheep. He leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects and protects. The shepherd of the Lord’s flock leads by modeling godliness and righteousness in his own life and encouraging others to follow his example. Of course, our ultimate example and the One we should follow is Christ Himself.

The Apostle Paul understood this so he made a categorical statement that: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). The Christian leader is one who follows Christ and inspires others to follow Him as well.

The Christian leader therefore must have and possess certain characteristics based on scripture. The Christian leader as a shepherd is also a feeder and a nourisher of the sheep and the ultimate “sheep food” is the Word of God. Just as the shepherd leads his flock to the lushest pasture so they will grow and flourish, so the Christian leader nourishes his flock with the only food, which will produce strong, vibrant Christians. The Bible not the world’s wisdom is the only diet that can produce healthy Christians. “Man does not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (Deut 8:3; Matt 4:4).

Counseling/Coaching Philosophy - Two is Better Than One

Prof. Donella Pitzl, PhD

Prof. Donella Pitzl, PhD writes on life, purpose and the need for others to come along side during our journey through life. She is a Board Certified Master Life Coach and has her PhD in Biblical Counseling with emphasis on Kingdom Character Building.

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It has been my observation during the course of my life and my studies that mankind, as a whole, is at a loss without hope and encouragement. Not only are we overrun by our life circumstances, but also, we really do not know why we are on the earth. For many, making ends meet, striving to become a professional at something, or raising a family is not enough incentive in life, and rightly so. God’s Word addresses how a lack of vision in life affects us, it speaks of a “perishing.” In every culture and society across the globe mankind in general suffers from a lack of vision and understanding. The result is strife, greed, violence, suffering, lack of provision and integrity to name a few. This state of being is very contrary to the plan of our Creator for His creation. It is my intention in life to address God’s answers, provide tools and challenge old mindsets in the hope that the Life of God and hope will be embraced and we can change the direction of our state of being.

We have been blessed with those that have discovered they are gifted to offer good Christian counseling and coaching. I am a firm believer in the importance of good counsel and coaching. In Ecc 4:12 it says, "And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."  

There are many lines of thinking and approaches to aiding mankind and addressing the difficulties of existence on the earth. I have participated in programs that have been created to help people. I have been involved in Christian counseling with varying results. In my studies of and interaction with the methods to help people, even Christian programs, I find a lack of long lasting results. Statistics show that in programs like AA and even Christ-centered recovery programs, there is under a 20% true recovery rate and that is being generous. 

The central strength of these programs is that they encourage you to find help by interacting with others and having accountability - two are better than one. So why the low percentage of long lasting results? In my personal experience with these programs I discovered there is an emphasis on our mistakes and “cleaning up” our past, but very little on learning our purpose for being on the earth and discovering what our future can become by creating a pathway of discovery. We can work all day long on cleaning up our life but if we do it just to relieve pain, if we don’t get to the root of the pain, the pain will return again and again. If we don’t discover the “why” of our existence, we will perish as our troubles remain to haunt us.

I believe we have to combine good Christian counsel, coaching, support, and engage in activities that are holistic and well rounded. Thus, in my work, I encourage and engage in both good Godly counsel and also guidance and empowerment in an interactive program of personal discovery and kingdom character development.

My hearts desire and vision is to offer practical tools to build a life that reflects God’s intentions and strengthens one to face the difficulties of life - facing the journey with integrity of character that only comes from the Author and Finisher of our Faith, Jesus Christ.

Be blessed in the knowledge that you do not have to face life alone. If you truly want help, help is there for you. Face the challenge and the  hard work and seek it out. God truly makes a way for HIs people, His creation.

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PROPHETIC WORD SPOKEN OVER BURUNDI AFRICA

Prof. Clyde Rivers

Prof. Clyde Rivers, Honorary Ambassador at Large for Republic of Burundi hears the Word of the Lord for Burundi. 

The Spirit of the Lord says, “I will now fight the enemies that fight you. It is a new day in Burundi I have turned the page. You will no longer have famine - you will have riches. You will have prosperity from the kingdom of God because your country’s leadership seeks first My kingdom. Now all these things will be added to you. Burundi, you are a model nation of the wisdom of God and I will shine your light all over the world. I take no pride in status, says the Lord, but I look for those that have gratitude for what they have received. Though you are a small nation, says the Lord, your light will shine bright and the whole world will see the goodness that has come from a small nation that obeys Me. Isaiah 60 is your decree and it is your God that they will see, says the Lord.”