As a Seventh-day Adventist teacher, I know that my lesson objectives and learning outcomes must go beyond the traditional scope. Objectives and outcomes in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains are generally focused on measurable abilities, knowledge, and values as understood from a secular perspective. However, I know that my learning outcomes must be focused on the ultimate goals of sanctification, service, and salvation.
That is why, as I set my lesson objectives*, I was conscientious of the fact that it is my role to disciple the head, the heart, and the hand of my students. My discipleship-based lesson objectives and their desired learning outcomes are listed below:
| Domains | Lesson Objectives | Redemptive Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive: carrying out role of God's mouthpiece by conveying the truth to the learner | Discipling the head by sharing all the needed truth, and only the truth, of the subject lesson | The student will be able to know the source of all truth as well as the specific truth of the lesson |
| Affective: carrying out the role of Christ's compassion by caring for the learning-related needs of students | Discipling the heart by taking interest in anything that may enhance or hinder redemptive learning | The student will be able to imitate a Christ-like, caring spirit, as demonstrated by the instructor |
| Psychomotor: taking part in the role of the Holy Spirit, empowering and guiding the learner | Discipling the hand by illustrating the lesson, then guiding the learner in carrying out the same or related activities | The student will be able to practice what they have learned and will be able to coach and guide others in the future |
*Specific objectives and corresponding outcomes depend on each lesson.
Reflection Prompts:
- How are you intentionally reflecting God’s character for your students? Are you targeting the three domains as you do so?
- What are some hands-on ways that you can integrate discipleship of the head, hand, and heart into your everyday teaching process?
- What are some specific learning outcomes that you can set after every lesson to ensure that all domains are addressed?
Author
Juvenal Balisasa
Dr. Balisasa currently serves as Education Director of the West-Central Africa Division. He is an ordained minister of the Gospel. He holds degrees in Agriculture, Religion, Business, and Religious Education. He is married to Victoria, and both are blessed with three young adults. Before now he served the church mainly as a teacher at all levels of education and pastor in education institutions. He is regularly engaged in counseling young people and is passionate about creating, developing, and sustaining Adventists schools.