Greek Teaching Method focuses on CONTENT
Hebrew teaching method focuses on CONTEXT
Greek Method teaching seeks to shape a student's mind
Hebrew method teaching seeks to shape a student's heart
Students under the Greek method learn what the teacher KNOWS
Students under the Hebrew method pattern themselves after what their teacher IS
Greek Method teaching is Efficiency driven
Hebrew Method teaching is Relationship driven
We use the Hebrew method of teaching.
“True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come.” the book, ‘Education’ - page 13.
Since the biblical approach to education is Hebrew by nature, that means it is relationship driven. Using the Hebrew method, the child stays within the family for education (home schooling), strengthening the family bonds and learning how to be a warrior for the faith. This way, the child’s loyalties lie with the family and the choices he makes will be for the benefit of his family and for the glory of God.
Because our modern American system of education uses the Greek approach to education, this means that relationships with family are sacrificed for efficiency. Children are segregated by age in peer-based classrooms, that have done away with meeting the needs of the individual and eliminating the knowledge of spiritual guidance and truth. God intended parents to teach their children, since they are able to reach the heart of a child better than anyone (even the best Christian schoolteacher). By using the Greek method of education, the child is separated from the parents and educated by teachers to produce citizens whose loyalty lies with the state rather than the family unit.
The Greek system emphasizes knowledge, with the students learning what the teacher knows. This is based on cognitive input; the act or process of putting knowledge in.
The Hebrew system is a scriptural model of education and the goal is for the student to BECOME what the teacher IS. Knowledge is acquired as a by-product, while the goal is to shape the character of the student.
In the Greek method, knowledge is separated and organized into subjects and implemented through curriculums. Unit studies are a step in the right direction; however, when they are used in the Greek method they are still in the pagan form (because of the use of the classics and non-scriptural works), rather than the Hebrew form which is scriptural.
Greek education relies on the teacher’s knowledge and tools (curriculum) while the Hebrew education relies on the teacher’s love for the student. Jesus walked with His disciples and taught by example; He did not give classes or instruction; they walked in the way together and this is the Hebrew method of education.
While the Greek method focuses on CONTENT, the Hebrew method focuses on CONTEXT. The Greek method sees minds as empty jars that need filling, using an impersonal curriculum. The Hebrew method sees minds as clay needing to be molded, personalizing the education process by daily interaction with the student, or a discipleship pattern.
“Since God is the source of all true knowledge, it is, as we have seen, the first object of education to direct our minds to His own revelation of Himself.” the book ‘Education’ - page 16.
“He who co-operates with the divine purpose in imparting to the youth a knowledge of God, and molding the character into harmony with His, does a high and noble work. As he awakens a desire to reach God’s ideal, he presents an education that is as high as heaven and as broad as the universe; an education that cannot be completed in this life, but that will be continued in the life to come; an education that secures to the successful student his passport from the preparatory school of earth to the highest grade, the school above.” the book ‘Education; page 19.