Using the Visual Valet Framework to Develop a Biblical Perspective

NAD Teacher Conference, August 6, 2012

Presenters:• Glynis Bradfield, Director of Students Services

& CIRCLE Director, AU School of Distance Education• Juliette Horton, RMES Gr 1 teacher• Deborah Park, RMES Gr 6 teacher• Philip Giddings III, RMES Junior High teacher• Andrea Nagy, AU Curriculum PhD Student,

SDACC teacher• Jeremy Hall, Indiana Academy Principal

Biblical IntegrationYES

Seeing how the topic reveals the character or nature ofo Godo Creationo Mankindo Moral Ordero Purpose

Thinking critically about every aspect of our lives as connected to the topic

NO Including a Bible verse at the top

or bottom of a worksheet. Diagramming a Bible verse in

grammar class. Reading one or all the Bible verses

on horses after a horse unit. Using a science experiment as an

analogy to the Christian life. Praying once or several times a

day in class. Having class devotions. Casually referring to the greatness

of God during a science lesson.

The BIG Picture Without an eternal perspective, life and all its component parts do not make

sense. (p.38)

Our understanding and practice of God’s truth is very limited compared to the knowledge we have accumulated. At least part of the problem is a perceived detachment of biblical truth from almost everything that is not biblical. (p.22)

Biblical integration is not about finding the "right verse" or "the only“ Christian way to deal with every class and every subject. It is about fitting everything we know and teach into the very BIG picture of what God is doing. (p.22)

Klassen, Visual Valet

Visual Valet FrameworkThe Visual Valet framework can assist anyone in organizing and communicating the essential elements of the Christian faith, from a great controversy perspective.

God made everythingSin wrecks everythingJesus fixes everythingGod uses everything

• The study of non-Biblical material should reveal reflections of God.

• Distortions are to be expected in everything because of the Fall.

• The Bible always takes precedence over what we think we’ve discovered in the world, in ourselves, in our relationships with others and with God.

• The Visual Valet suggests applications for all we learn, so everything will fulfill God’s ultimate intention that people live in loving relationship with Him.

Using the tool

Framework

Integration Guide

Creation ReflectionsFall DistortionsRedemption

Revelations

Fulfillment Applications

Start by asking the right questions

Biblical Worldview Key Questions

CREATION – Reflections

FALL - Distortions

REDEMPTION – Revelations

FULFILLMENT – Applications

What aspect of God’s character do I understand better because of ____?

In what ways has ___ been distorted by the fall of man?

What has God revealed in the Bible about ____, Himself & His purposes?

How does ___ make me appreciate God and desire to worship Him?

What was God’s original purpose for ____?

In what ways has ___ been spoiled and misused?

How does the Bible confirm God’s revelation in ____?

How can ___ be used for God’s purposes within His family and His world?

What is good, beautiful, true, valuable?

What is bad, ugly, false, worthless?

How do we know? How do we choose? What are the consequences?

What is the purpose?

99 Questions: closethegapnow.org/resources/christianeducation/index.html

So What?The Visual Valet model can: Remind you to implement biblical integration Help you organize all God says about Himself and His creation Guide you in making the connections that are central to

biblically integrated Christian thinking Help you develop critically important thinking skills in your

students Help you become a distinctively Christian thinker and teacher

Ways to Intentionally Integrate Faith

Identify biblical principles to be integrated. Move from the big picture to the details. Plan assignments and discussion questions that cause

students to begin thoughtfully considering biblical principles.

Consider how biblical principles from other subject areas may be related.

Allow students to apply the principles personally. Use informal opportunities, as well as more formal

situations. Assess biblical integration.

REAL Applications1. Biblically Integrated Math Lesson Plan Juliette Horton, RMES Gr 1 Teacher, Michigan2. Music Lessons Andrea Nagy, Gr 8 Teacher, Canada3. Faith Integrated Physics & Literature Lessons Philip Giddings III, RMES Gr 8 Teacher, Michigan 4. Pangea and Continental Drift Theory Lesson Plans  Deborah Park, RMES Gr 6 Teacher, Michigan5. Staff Evaluation Using the Visual Valet Model  Jeremy Hall, Indiana Academy Principal6. Website Development Unit Plan Samuel Villamizar, VAES Gr 7-10, Michigan

Teaching as a MinistryBeing transformed• Unless I am continually developing a more distinctively Christian way of thinking

and teaching, I cannot blame the system in which I teach for hindering me. If I am personally overflowing with new insights which fill me with gratitude and worship, my students will notice. If I choose God's ways instead of my own in all areas of life, students can learn to choose His ways also. Even if they do not understand the things of God they cannot deny He is making a difference in my life.

Being transforming• I cannot change others; the Holy Spirit can, and uses us to demonstrate and

articulate truth. I can teach, confident of Christ’s presence as I prepare and interact with students and colleagues.

Producing transformers• I am called to disciple students and colleagues, so that what God invests in my

life may be multiplied in the lives and ministry of many others.

Being Transformed – as Teacher

Start with personal Bible study, connecting with the Visual Valet framework.

Ask the right questions in your study – related to this framework.

Look for answers in the right places – in God’s Word and world.

Cultivate an eternal perspective – without it all the parts of life don’t make sense.

Choose to be intentional. Prepare the climate for student transformation.

Work together. Ask questions that prompt students to connect what is learned at home, church, and school.

Being Transforming. Producing Transformers.

Ask the right big questions e.g. use the Visual Valet framework.

Encourage students to ask the questions of themselves.

Deal with common distortions to remove obstacles to growth and development.

Share what God has been teaching you and how He has been changing you.

Clarify that spiritual things are spiritually discerned - non-Christians cannot understand God’s perspective.

Pray before, during and after – continually.

Yes we can! Expect to be learning forever – the joy of discovery

requires something unknown and unexplored! Invite your students to join you in discovery learning,

led by the Holy Spirit. Organize your deepening understanding using the

framework, adding new questions to explore as time allows in future lessons/years.

Invite colleagues to join you on the journey. Share to save time. Synergize.

Ask God to lead you to intentionally teach patterns of God’s truth in every lesson.

Fitting into God’s Picture

Biblical integration is not about finding the "right verse" or "the only“ Christian way to deal with every class and every subject. It is about fitting everything we know and teach into the very BIG picture of what God is doing.

Klassen (2008), Visual Valet: Complete Book with User’s Guide, p.22

Resources transformingteachers.com – Visual Valet & many stimulating and

practical faith integration articles closethegapnow.org – questions to foster biblical integration and other

practical faith integration assessments & other teaching tools biblicalintegration.com – lesson templates, examples & posters circle.adventist.org – faith integration sections & much more

CIRCLE is the google of Adventist education, the Curriculum and Instruction Resource Center Linking Educators anytime, anywhere, as they continue the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ. Find resources created by and for Adventist educators at all levels, from all world regions – think outside your region/box. Be synergized. Join the CIRCLE.

Glynis Bradfield, CIRCLE Director, glynisb@andrews.edu Director of Student Services, griggs.edu & andrews.edu/distance Growing Disciples Inventory researcher, growingfruitfuldisciples.com/gdi/