Guidelines For Course Facilitators
Guidelines For Course Facilitators
Introduction
As a course facilitator you are more of a guide than a guru. GlobalChristians.Org & Cybermissions.Org
courses use the principles of TEE (Theological Education by Extension) where
the texts are the main teacher and the “lecturer” simply facilitates the learning
process. It
is quite similar to leading an adult bible study based around a book.
General Principles
GlobalChristians.Org is an interdenominational institution for bible-believing, born-again Great Commission Christians. As long as someone fits that broad description and subscribes to the Nicene Creed they are fine. Arminians can remain Arminian and Charismatics can still speak in tongues and Calvinists are free to believe in predestination etc. You can certainly point out errors of fact and correct technical inaccuracies. But you must be scrupulously neutral and not base assessment on your personal theological distinctives.
This should go without saying but the strictest ethical standards should be observed regarding email relationships with students, objectivity in marking, never asking for financial contributions and not involving staff or students in illegal activities such as sharing copyright music files.
Teaching Style
The individual situations dictate the teaching style needed. Sometimes you may have to answer a complex question and deliver quite a bit of content. Other times you may just sit back and watch a discussion unfold and let the students go to it. On another occasion you may have to intervene to stop personal attacks getting out of hand. On another you may supply technical information that is needed but is not in the readings. It is not always one or the other - always hands on or always hands off. It is both as needed. Stay in touch with the class and materials and use your good judgment.
In TEE fast feedback is of utmost importance. Students learn best when they feel that they are noticed. If they post a question and then only get an answer ten days later it will kill their enthusiasm. You must check your email and the Interaction Center daily. After a while you will be able to do this very quickly and it will not be burdensome - but interesting, and it will stop big backlogs of work building up.
Students like to feel that they are learning and that they have a high probability of getting things right. Encourage right answers, "catch people doing things right" and give them a quick "Hi, that was good". Reward in public, but correct in private. Many of the students will be from non-Western cultures where face is important.
Your job is to set a positive tone in the class. be enthusiastic, be caring, be on the ball. Keep things on track and don't allow a dominant student or a "needy" student to hijack the teaching agenda. If things become quiet in the forum post a question that is interesting and require everyone to answer it.
Remember English may not be the first language
of all your students. Phrases like "the effulgence of his glory"
may lose a few folk. Use good simple, concise, straightforward English and
please check your spelling. If your student is a second-language English speaker,
- avoid idiom and slang
- use short sentences and easy verb forms.
Practical Details
That's about it! If you have any further questions just email me.
Blessings,
John Edmiston