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PHILOSOPHY OF LEARNING
At DCS, we believe there are two important principles that facilitate academic excellence in a learning program. The first principle is "age-appropriate academics." This means that subject matter and learning concepts are carefully reviewed to be presented at the most advantageous time in a child's or young person's maturation process. In doing this, teaching and learning can take place with maximum efficiency. Six- and seven-year-old children easily grasp concepts that may take weeks for the four- or five-year-old child.
We also know that effective learning is sequential. Learning is most effective when it is built on a strong foundation of well-understood supportive concepts. Moving too quickly through foundational concepts will create a base of understanding that is simplistic and will not support more advanced thinking skills.
The second principle of our learning philosophy is "the involved learner." We believe that the most effective learning takes place when the child or young person is a participant in the learning process. This principle has very specific application to the early childhood and lower elementary child who understands concepts on the concrete rather than the abstract level. It is our goal to involve all students in the learning process in order to create excellence in the learning experience.
These two principles of learning are exemplified in Jesus’ teaching. He always waited until the appropriate time to teach a concept. He also involved His learners with the world around them (e.g. a fig tree, a coin, and a net.) Jesus' role as the "Master Teacher" was not to pour all the knowledge He had into the heads of His followers, but instead He carefully waited until the appropriate time and circumstances to teach His truth. In doing this His followers were participants in the learning process and eagerly waited for the next installment of learning from the Lord.
We want to nurture and train our students in the truth of God's Word. By presenting academics in an age-appropriate time frame and involving the learner in the learning process, young people will develop into eager lifetime learners.
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