Acts interactive

A LOOK AT A DIFFERENT APPROUCH TO BIBLE STUDY

USING AN INTERACTIVE TEAM APPROUCH USING A MIX OF AUDIO VIDEO TECHNOLOGY TOOLS AND INTERNET RESEARCH RESOURCES

STUDY TOPIC ACTS

 

 

THESIS STATEMENT

The purpose of this project is to create and test an interactive Bible study method of learning that includes the teacher who acts as a facilitator and knowledge specialist and participating students who learn in a team learning setting that relies on solid Biblical content presented using visual technology tools and the research capability of the Internet.

The approach is aimed at reaching youth and young adults using these tools to get them involved in serious Bible study that will result in increased Bible Knowledge, Wisdom and to help them mature as Christians.  For the non-believer it will encourage them to know more about salvation through Christ.

One of the keys to the success of this approach to Bible Study will be to instill a sense of Bible Study project ownership in the students.  Not only will they feel ownership through participation, it is hoped that they will want to share their findings with others.  This approach presented here would be aimed at 14 to 22 year olds with a very basic understanding of the Bible.  The approach would be modified for different age groups and knowledge levels.

 

THE TEAM STRUCTURE OF THE   BIBLE STUDY

The traditional approach of teaching the Bible has been the teacher lecture With the teacher reading verses of the Bible and commenting on the meaning of the verses.  A more enlightened teacher might include something about The Author and where the book was written. 

The student, however, seldom gets a feel for the content they are studying because there is no Historical, or Geographical context to the book or topic being studied. There is also nothing visual or auditory to help the student to relate to the topic.

Instead of using the Teacher student model of a verbal lecture approach we
will use a team structure that will include a teacher as facilitator and
knowledge expert who can provide access to resources and coordinate the learning process in  each team.  The teams involved will include:

  1. Historical and Geographical Team This team would be responsible
    for researching, compiling and presenting the historical and Geographical information gleaned from the Internet that will give background information for studying the book of Acts.  The Geography and Historical information presented would include:
    1.  Maps of the Roman Empire including Geographical features
    roads trade routes etc.
    2.  Maps showing the growth of the Roman Empire.
    3.  Historical sketches for all relevant provinces visited by Peter
    and Paul. Biographical sketches of all of the Apostles and followers of Paul.
    4.  Cultural Geography of each area visited including
    a.  Ethnic makeup of the People
    b.  Histories of the towns and cities visited
    c.  Languages spoken.
    d.  Customs and local religions
    The purpose here is not to develop a comprehensive study
    but for the team to provide a basic outline that will help the student get a better feel for the world people lived in which will result in a better understanding of Acts.
    The team becomes an added resource when the teacher gives a lesson and also provides the necessary content for the production of the movie.

  2. Theme and Message Team This team will work in conjunction with
    the teacher and  the Historical Geography team in providing the theological structure for understanding the passages covered in Acts and would include:
    1. Other passages in the Bible relating to the text being studied in
    Acts.
    2. Commentaries available on Acts. that can be found on the Internet.
    3. The teacher will work closest with this team providing them
    with structure and direction in finding relevant material and answering their questions.
    Resource Team Responsible for researching and organizing Art
    Music and special effects that will enhance the understanding of the
    the book…  This team will locate relevant art and music that will
    enhance the Bible study movie.  This might include the sound that
    Roman instruments produced.  As for art the team would locate
    artist’s interpretation of what apostles looked like and art that
    depicted events like the Last Supper.  The resource team would also
    locate art and sound effects that will reinforce the text that is being
    discussed.  If there are students with a musical talent they might be
    invited to play actual music from the era. (this music is online)
  3. Technical Team Responsible for taking the research and resources
    found by the other teams and putting together an audio visual presentation that students will have an opportunity to use to present to other students either on church premises or online in the church website.  The team will also have an opportunity to promote the movie
    online in Facebook.

II...       FIRST THREE WEEKS OF THE STUDY WILL COVER ACTS CHAPTER  ONE AND TWO