Thursday, October 21, 2010

Tried and True curriculum evaluation questions

There is a growing number of children's Sunday School curriculum options in the market today due to the ease of the internet and digital production capabilities of your average computer savvy church worker or leader. I was digging through some old Gospel Light resource books and dusted off this old resource and Surprise! Surprise! The content is just as important today as it was first written back in the 70s or even before that probably.
So here goes: when choosing a curriculum you must watch for:

BIBLE CONTENT AND USAGE
  1. Is the curriculum designed to teach the Bible as God’s inspired and authoritative Word?
  2. Is there balanced coverage of the Old and New Testaments?
  3. Does the overall plan of the curriculum point students to faith in Christ as Savior and Lord, and also nurture and guide them to “grow up in Christ”?
  4. Does the material present Bible truths in a manner appropriate to the abilities and development of the students’ age levels?
  5. Are hands-on Bible usage and skill development encouraged at appropriate age levels?
TEACHER
  1. Does the curriculum challenge the teacher to prepare spiritually for the task of teaching?
  2. Is the material clearly arranged to show the teacher an understandable and logical lesson plan?
  3. Are the Bible-learning and life response aims specifically and clearly stated for each lesson?
  4. Does the material provide the teacher with a variety of Bible-learning approaches from which to choose?
  5. Are the materials clearly presented, enabling the teacher to be prepared with a reasonable amount of effort?
  6. Are there enough ideas and suggestions to adapt the material for longer or shorter sessions, larger or smaller groups, or limited equipment?
STUDENT
  1. Is the vocabulary appropriate for the age and abilities of the students?
  2. Does the curriculum provide a variety of ways for students to participate actively in the learning process?
  3. Are the student materials attractive and do they encourage involvement?
  4. Do the teacher resources provide a variety of attractive aids to stimulate student interest and involvement?
  5. Are the Bible-learning approaches appropriate to the mental, spiritual, social and physical development of the students?
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
  1. Does the material provide ideas for making and sustaining meaningful contact with both students and families outside the classroom?
  2. Does the take-home paper contain activities that assist the family in relating the student’s learning to everyday life?
  3. Does the curriculum speak to issues relevant to the student’s everyday life?
  4. Does the curriculum provide materials and suggestions for ways students may understand the responsibility and joy of sharing Christ?
  5. Does the curriculum encourage outreach and church growth?
 © 2000 by Gospel Light. Permission to photocopy granted. How to Have a Great Sunday School (Content also appeared in a 70s copy of Sunday School Standards also published by Gospel Light)

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