We live in an era of constant change and challenges within higher education. Between economic and financial strain, a surge in competition, and an increasingly secular culture, it can be difficult to know how to navigate these changes and distinguish your Bible college amongst the crowds of options that students face.

One of the most important ways of distinguishing your Bible school is by developing effective and innovative teaching strategies. This is not merely a focus on what you are teaching; rather, it is a shift to how you are teaching and reaching the hearts and minds of students.

In order to see actionable change in your students’ lives, you first need to know how to reach them. If you want to set your institution apart in the world of Christian higher education, read on for a few methods of honing effectual teaching strategies.

Adapt Instruction to the Individual

Each person is uniquely created by God with different giftings and abilities. Therefore, it is important that we can adapt instruction to reach the individual. This doesn’t mean that all your content has to be tailored to each student, which is neither practical nor effective. Rather, it requires the ability to connect with each student by getting to know them individually and learning how to adapt your instruction to their needs. 

Jesus Himself used this strategy to engage meaningfully with His students. From large crowds of over 5,000 to an audience of one, He knew how to adapt His teaching methods to His listeners. The way He taught the woman at the well (John 4) through conversation and personal connection varied greatly from his method of teaching Thomas (John 20) through evidence-based, hands-on examples.

Motivate Students to Take Ownership of Their Growth

None of us were created to simply be observers. Education, as well as spiritual formation, can only happen when you actively participate. 

One way you can engage your students and motivate them to take charge of their own growth is through the implementation of active learning techniques (ALTs). According to Michael Prince, “Active learning is generally defined as any instructional method that engages students in the learning process. In short, active learning requires students to do meaningful learning activities and think about what they are doing” (Prince, 2004). Active learning methods can include class discussion, role-playing, annotation, and a host of other tactics. The key is increasing student engagement within the class and encouraging them to think critically. 

Consider examples from the life of Jesus, the Great Teacher. He actively engaged His disciples with lessons and instruction that invited them to take an active role (i.e. the calling of His disciples Peter, James, and John in Luke 5), welcomed discussion and critical thinking amongst His students, and encouraged them to take ownership of their faith and learning.

Engage Your Students’ Natural Curiosity

We were all created with an innate curiosity to understand the world around us. Whether that be an interest in the natural world, language arts, theology, or STEM, we all have inclinations towards learning in some capacity. As educators, we are tasked with the great responsibility and privilege of engaging students’ natural, God-given curiosity.

How do we do this?

• Invite students to develop and ask questions
• Assign projects that allow students to choose topics which pique their curiosity
• Model curiosity in your own instruction
• Leave space in class time for discussion amongst students in small group settings
• Get to know your students and their interests so you can reach them where they are

Inspiring students to lean into their curiosity, ask questions, and think deeply ensures that they are engaged. For Christians, this means encouraging holy and profitable thinking based on the Word of God.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

Focus on Practical Content with a Real-World Application

In an age of increasing job competition, more and more students are needing practical content that they can use in their everyday lives once they leave the classroom. Focusing on tailoring your content towards real-world application ensures that they take that knowledge with them. 

True education is not just rote memorization of facts, but a real comprehension of how to apply your knowledge to day-to-day life and ministry. By creating content that emphasizes the real-world application, you are paving the way for your students’ success – both academically and spiritually.

One very real way of ensuring your content bears a real-world application is by securing international accreditation for your Bible college. We make it easy for you to continue doing what you are passionate about – delivering a high-quality, biblically rooted education – while gaining invaluable support and credibility.

Teach as Transformation – Not a Transfer of Information

Last but certainly not least, lean into your calling as an educator. You are not simply conveying facts and information to others. You are transforming lives and hearts. According to Dr. Dockery an influential Christian academic leader and theologian-informed educator, “To shape Christian higher education according to a Christian worldview means that Christian educators will seek to think differently about the way we live and love, the way we worship and serve, the way we work to earn our livelihood, and the way we learn and teach” (Dockery, 2018). In short, teaching from a Christian perspective impacts every area of your students’ lives. It is transformational.

A few ways of practicing deeply transformative biblical education:

• Helping students to cultivate a biblical worldview
• Teaching your students to integrate their faith and learning into every sphere of life
• Being unafraid to address big issues and to walk your students through those questions
• Allowing the Holy Spirit to direct your teaching

When you approach education as a calling, you are able to help your students achieve more than just a good grade; you are helping them to become who God made them to be.

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By implementing some of these teaching strategies, you are helping to mold the Christian men and women of the future and upholding them in their God-ordained purpose. There is no one-size-fits-all to education, but these practices can help you to connect deeply to your students and guide them with biblical wisdom and truth. 

If you are looking for support in setting a standard of high-quality Christian education, consider joining our international community of Christian schools and seminaries.