Department of Education
Welcome!
The Education Department at OHC offers a four-year training program for both elementary and secondary education majors with each student completing a student-teaching opportunity during their last semester before graduation. The program offers some classes that are specific to an elementary classroom, some that are specific to a secondary classroom, and other classes that cover information vital to both types of classrooms. The training our students receive in the education classes is eminently practical, interactive, and thorough.
Just a few of the things our education majors become well-versed in include: Christ's teaching methods, cooperative learning methods, classroom management techniques, designing lesson units and plans, and how to teach without books (for those planning on going to the foreign mission field).
Our elementary and secondary education graduates have done much with their training. Many are teaching in Adventist schools around the country. Others have had the opportunity to help small churches start a church school and have seen those schools flourish and minister to many in the churches and surrounding communities. Still other graduates have gone to the foreign mission fields and are using the skills they learned here at OHC to enlarge the kingdom of heaven.
We would love to have you come join us as we learn the best methods to teach and reach young souls for Jesus!
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Secondary Christian Education
Bachelor of Elementary Christian Education
Vision
The vision of Ouachita Hills College is to demonstrate the power of implementing God’s counsel for the Seventh-day Adventist church in the field of educational endeavor by providing an environment that fosters the well-rounded development described in those counsels. In addition to being aptly prepared for their chosen profession, our students are enabled to cultivate habits of deep Bible study, practical work, and compassionate witnessing.
Mission
The Education Department of Ouachita Hills College is dedicated to providing a thorough and well-rounded blend of theory and practice to develop effective educators. The Education Department strives to employ the counsels found in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy both in the training of the students and the lives of the instructors. The courses offered in this program are designed to prepare each student to achieve professional excellence in Christ’s strength and to give each student the necessary tools to reach the hearts and needs of children and youth around the world.
Goals and Student Learning Outcomes:
Goal 1—Preparation
To prepare students for the unique dynamics of Seventh-day Adventist education in various denominational settings including conference, self-supporting, and foreign missions - with a special emphasis on the multigrade classroom.
Outcomes:
Administrative responsibilities
Outline the requirements from an administrative viewpoint for operating effectively and efficiently whether in the classroom or in a managerial position.Challenges
Describe the challenges faced in the various educational settings whether in a multigrade classroom or in the mission field.Adaptability
Practice adaptability to the unique situations encountered in the various education settings.Professional growth
Develop a plan for professional growth involving continuing education and keeping abreast of current educational practices.
Goal 2—Equip students for work in the 21st century
Equip students to evaluate and utilize current and research-based methodology and tools for teaching and assessment purposes in Seventh-day Adventist schools in the 21st century.
Outcomes:
Effective use of resources
Demonstrate proficiency in planning and executing effective Christ-centered lessons utilizing available resources incorporating research-based methodology.Technology
Utilize technology and other 21st century resources as much as possible based on availability in both the administrative and instructional areas.Evaluation/ Assessment/Differentiated Instruction
Develop tools for evaluating student needs and designing differentiated instructional adaptations for gifted and talented or special needs students.
Goal 3—Multigrade environment
Develop skill in handling the unique dynamics of the Seventh-day Adventist classroom and the multigrade environment.
Outcomes:
Managing lesson plans and schedules
Demonstrate proficiency in preparing schedules, procedures, yearly overviews, unit plans, and lesson plans for the various classroom settings including the multigrade classroom and mission field.Procedures and rules
Develop managerial strategies to include establishing procedures and rules at the beginning of the school year.Collaboration
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of various stakeholders including students, parents, board members, church members, and the educator's responsibility towards each.Conflict resolution
Develop a plan for conflict resolution and for practices to follow in various scenarios that can occur in the classroom and how to relate to these as a Christian.The Bible as the foundation
Explain the foundational role of the Bible in the curriculum of the Adventist educational system.
Goal 4—Personal Relationship with Christ
Promote a personal dynamic relationship with Jesus and principled regard for mind and body as prerequisites for effective Christian teaching.
Outcomes:
Devotions personal and in the classroom
Practice a personal devotional life and include worship experiences as a daily part of the classroom program.Healthy Lifestyle
Incorporate the principles of a healthy lifestyle in the educational program in the school setting.Bible as the foundation
Integrate a structured study of the Bible as a regular part of the curriculum.