Transformative Education: Unveiling Hope with the 3-D Worldview Survey
March 12, 2024
Katherine Schultz
In the sunlit atrium of (mythical) Grace Christian Academy, adorned with vibrant art and bathed in hues of warm gold and serene blue, Mrs. Thompson strolled past neatly arranged desks and joyful chatter. The orderly surroundings spoke of purposeful learning thriving in a beautiful and orderly space.
Intrigued by the lively atmosphere, Mrs. Thompson approached a group of students engrossed in conversation. The gentle hum of laughter and the occasional flip of pages accompanied their animated discussion.
“What has you all so captivated?” Mrs. Thompson inquired, her warm smile inviting participation.
Sophia, a thoughtful student, replied, “We were just discussing how our beliefs shape our actions and attitudes. You know, living out our faith.”
Another student, Jake, chimed in, “It’s tricky sometimes, especially when challenges come up. How do we navigate it all with a Christian perspective?”
Seizing the opportunity to connect, Mrs. Thompson asked, “That’s intriguing. I’d love to hear more about your perspectives. How do you approach these challenges with your faith in mind?”
The students exchanged uncertain glances. “Well,” Emily hesitated, “it’s not always easy to put into words.”
Mrs. Thompson smiled, sensing the need for a deeper connection. Little did they know that this conversation was the prelude to a transformative journey—a journey that would lead them to explore their beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes in a whole new light.
Understanding the Need for Hope in Educational Settings
With over 30 years of classroom experience in Christian schools, I certainly understand the need for hope in an educational setting. We all want to actually see our students develop into mature believers, disciples of Jesus Christ who love him and go on to live their lives the way he wants them to in the future.
A biblical worldview is a key component to understanding how to live a life of biblical maturity. And having a mature biblical worldview in three dimensions–beliefs, behaviors and attitudes–can help our students be equipped to meet the challenges of this world, and stand firm in their faith.
But it isn’t always easy knowing what we need to help our students grow in their faith.
Identifying Opportunities for Growth and Connection
That’s why the 3-Dimensional Worldview Survey (3DWS) is a helpful tool for Christian schools, teachers, professors, and youth workers. It helps identify the strengths and weaknesses that our students have in their beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes. And it fosters conversation that can get at the heart of worldview, so that our students are wanting to develop a more mature understanding of their own faith, and to live it out–now, and in the future.
- Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Empowering Educators with Insightful Data
If you’ve spent any time in education, you know the whole concept of data-driven decision making. The 3DWS is a great resource for Christian school teachers to collect data about their students’ worldview, and use that data to drive program development, classroom instruction, mentoring, discipleship, conversations, and more.
- Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
In addition, the survey sparks conversations–even before a student or a teacher sees survey results–because it opens up dialogue about various topics that might not have come up through the regular curriculum of the school. It gives insight into students’ perspectives, as well as the opportunity to challenge their unbiblical perspectives, and grow a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.
Inspiring a Positive Future Through Education
But the 3DWS is so much more than just a data collector. It provides an opportunity for teachers and students to have open conversations that reach the heart. It challenges students to grow in their worldview beliefs, to be consistent in their worldview behaviors, and to orient their hearts toward God. And it pushes them to think about ways they can better respond to Jesus and the world because of love for him.
- Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Now What?
We are convinced of the immediate relevance of developing a 3-dimensional and biblical worldview in students so that they have a firm foundation of beliefs that they live out in their daily behavior as they continue with an attitude that orients their heart toward the Lord Jesus Christ throughout their lives.
- What Is the 3-D Worldview Survey?
- Take the 3-D Worldview for yourself
And if you haven’t yet used the 3-D Worldview Survey with your class, check out the pdf below for some questions to get you started.
#3dworldview #biblicalworldview #assessingworldview
