Heart Lessons

I’ve had two significant situations with my classes this week that have really stretched me spiritually.

The first came with my OM class, filled with mostly seniors. At first, I anticipated that this course (my first time teaching it) would be one of the more interesting and fun courses to teach. I was nervous, but optimistic as well. Then I faced some challenges in teaching this course. The previous instructor was an adjunct, who is no longer teaching for the university. I inherited the text used before. There was minimal resources or materials available to utilitize in preparing the course for the semester.

I had great expectations and ideas for the course. Then I panicked. As the beginning of the semester approached more and more rapidly, I decided to play it “safe”. To follow the text and use the instructor resource lecture slides. The “safe” choice turned out to be a disaster. Students were not happy, not engaged, overwhelmed, confused, anxious. There is not enough time in class to give everything adequate attention. The textbook does not provide enough depth to rely on it as a valuable supplement to the discussion time. My students, as well as myself, faced every Tue and Thur morning with great anxiety and reluctance. What I thought would be the more exciting course transformed into the bane of my existence.

Word began spread to the dean at the school, and a couple of students approached me directly about the class. After some prayer and discussion with the dean, I decided to make some changes. I got authorization to go outside the box to pursue the greater objectives of the course. I sent a survey to solicit feedback from the students. I read the responses. I took the honesty and integrity to heart.

Tuesday morning, I began class with an apology. For not living up to the standard they deserve. For not living up to my own standard. For trying to play it safe, rather than pursue true learning.

I thanked them for their honesty in their feedback. For trusting me enough with the truth to be candid. For providing ideas to make class a better experience. For bringing their concerns to my attention, rather than suffering silently through the semester, and then tank me at evaluation time. For being respectful and courteous in their approach.

We agreed on some modifications to the class structure. It seems to be working well. The feedback I’ve been getting is amazing. Word again has spread to the deans…that students are excited about the changes and have had a more productive experience in class. They are engaged. They are offering great insights. They are thinking outside the box and contributing to a great learning experience. For them and for me.

A spiritual exercise in humility, encouragement, integrity, and risk. It looks like the tangible reward will payoff. Regardless, the spiritual reward has already been great. The connection it has created with my students is amazing. We all got a challenging, uncomfortable, lesson in honesty, respect, humility. I believe we will all be richly rewarded for it.

I’ve got an amazing group of future business leaders there…

 

Then, yesterday another situation came to surface. In my Macro class, filled mostly with freshmen, it came to my attention that there has been dishonesty. Students are signing in absent students on the roster. My first reaction was disappointment that they would take such a big risk for virtually no reward. I considered whether to make a big deal of it.

I could hardly sleep last night. It weighed heavy on my heart. This is no small thing. This is an integrity issue. This is an honesty issue. The Holy Spirit impressed a piece of scripture on my heart…He who is trustworthy in what is least, is trustworthy also in much. And he who is unrighteous in what is least, is unrighteous also in much…Luke 16:10

See, they have an exam coming up on Monday. That’s important. If they are willing to lie about attending class, they are also likely to lie, cheat on an exam, term paper, homework, etc.

But that’s not even the point. There is a greater issue at stake.

Character.

As an instructor at a Christian university, I have an obligation to teach them how to integrate their faith into their academics…into their lives. This is a moment of truth. An opportunity for each student to learn a lesson, however difficult it may be, at potentially great cost. An invitation to build character through an act of humility, respect, honesty, and risk.

I wrestled with many questions last night. Will I just be preaching to the choir? Is it fair to take class time to devote to this issue? How does this impact those students who have been honest and hardworking?

How do I address this in a way that re-establishes the expectation of integrity, honesty, responsibility, hard work, and other Christian and professional etiquette, without encroaching upon students’ learning time, without directly accusing students (I don’t have direct evidence at this point), and that honors Christ?

The question I’ll be posing to them today: Which characteristic of God do you find most valuable? Justice or Mercy? Why?

Reflecting on God’s character, and applying it to one’s own life.

No, it’s not economics.
It’s much greater.
It’s reflecting the character of God,
   loving His ways, and
   living within His presence.

 

What extremes between my two experiences this week. I see, though, the greater calling I have here at CBU. I’m not just a teacher of economics and quantitative analysis.
My responsibility is much higher.
I’m an example.
I’m an advocate.
I’m a spiritual mentor.
I’m a light.
I’m a guide on this part of their journey.

We’ve got a way to go…