Maranatha Christian Bilingual School Education Philosophy
True education means more than the learning of a particular course of study. It means more than a preparation for the present life. It has to do with the development of the student as a whole being, and impacts the whole period of existence possible to man. Education is the corner stone to develop a child’s character. Our education philosophy relies on teaching spiritual principles and ethic values needed in today’s world, and the soon to come eternal life. The Maranatha Christian Bilingual School education philosophy and methodology is supported by the following pillars:
I. The Bible - MCBS believes that “ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for corrections, and for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16. Our students deserve the privilege of being educated under the light of the Holy Scriptures, which is able to make them wise and to lead them unto salvation. Our education cornerstone is to reconnect the students with God as the creator of all and our personal savior.
II. Teaching by example - At MCBS we understand that one of the most valuable methodologies of teaching is given by practicing what we teach (modeling). Teachers carry the sacred responsibility of being a guide, a counselor, a second parent, a tutor, and most important of all: a role model. The time given to us to spend with our precious students is intended to be used wisely, knowing that whatsoever the students behold would affect their life forever.
III. Character education - MCBS believes that every student should learn valuable lessons for life every day they attend school. Some of the values and principles that we consider important to cultivate in our students are love, faith and hope in God, self-respect and respect to others, integrity, perseverance, cooperation, gratitude, forgiveness, self-control, healthy lifestyle.
IV. Hands-on Education - We believe that education should be practical, functional and real. Students are capable to develop their full potential if they are provided with opportunities to accomplish it, this is possible only when the student is actively involved in the learning process. Thus, our students always receive more than simply core course lessons. We strive to provide an education for life in which the student will become capable of performing valuable life skills needed to succeed as an independent proactive citizen. Every student is equipped with the most amazing computer, the human brain. Therefore, at MCBS students will learn how to use their brain in conjunction with their body to develop skills such as critical thinking, reading, writing, listening, speaking more than one language, repairing, building, sewing, cooking, gardening, playing musical instruments and more.
V. Individual/differentiated instruction - Equally important to help students learn about values and principles is the education of them as individuals. A fundamental part of education is to recognize the individual needs of every student, and to never ignore the fact that every student is unique. We are capable of identifying the strengths and weak points of each student, and based on that, we apply the principles of differentiated instruction, which consists of modifying and adapting the lessons for the benefit of each student. Differentiated instruction promotes equal opportunity of learning for all the students. As stated by Ben Johnson “no child deserves special privilege, nor does any child deserve less attention --regardless of race, gender or academic ability.”
VI. Academic integrity - Our academic priority is to give the students more than simple concepts to memorize. We don’t promote mechanical memorization in which the students learn concepts with the purpose of passing a test. At MCBS education is about choosing quality instead of quantity to develop an assertive curriculum. We strive for a meaningful education in which the students can apply to real life what they’re learning. At MCBS we believe that every school should see that their work pursue definite results, we would not rest satisfied with the presentation of any subject until the student understands the principle involved, perceives its truth, and is able to state clearly what he/she has learned.
VII. Civic Education - At MCBS civic education is part of our main concerns. We understand the importance of developing well informed, effective, and responsible citizens. Our nation is in great need of citizens who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to build a society and government based on the fundamental values and principles that led our founding fathers. We consider it imperative for educators to support civic education knowing that the kind of society Americans want to live in and the kind of government they want to have requires effort and most of all commitment on the part of its citizens.
