The Behavioral Sciences Club hosted an "Integration of Faith and Discipline" night with Christine Saladino, Richard Brewer, and myself. It was a great night of presentation and dialogue about how each of us have grown in the manner by which we integrate psychology, sociology, and social work into our Christian worldview.
I think I can summarize a few things for those who were not there.
1. There is no one way that integration is or can be done. It is highly personalized. It is led by the Holy Spirit and built around our experiences. The Bible, of course, still guides our principles and precepts, but we still grapple with where does our field of study fit?
2. It requires patience and practice. It does not come overnight. It makes us struggle, not just intellectually, but also emotionally, because the beliefs we hold to are very core to each of us.
3. It is exciting as much as it is exasperating. We love what we learn in our respective fields. We love insight, we love striving with others in this endeavor, and we love our growth in our maturity. But, boy, does require work. It requires that we read, listen and learn from others, and it requires that keep on doing it. In all likelihood, no real closure in this lifetime.
So, next time we do something like this, we would like to see more of you there. But in the meantime, try some integration on your own. You'll be glad you did!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Student Professional Memberships
One of the things that students in the Behavioral Sciences should consider is belonging to a professional organization as a student member. Whether one is going on to graduate school or not, the sheer amount of information and the benefits received from joining such a group is invaluable. Psychology students can look to the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Counseling Association (ACA), or even the American Association of Christian Counselors. Sociology students can join the American Sociological Association (ASA) and those bent more towards the social work area can think about joining the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) or the National Association of Christian Social Workers (NACSW). And our Criminal Justice majors may want to consider the American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA-Lambda Alpha Epsilon).
Usually, for a very nominal membership fee as a student member, you would gain access to many helpful tools to assist you in career development. Information about how to get into the field and everything from graduate school preparation to up-to-date issues can be found. Additionally, you may have various newsletters, journals, or databases that you can access, which would increase your overall exposure to the discipline.
Therefore, I would encourage each of you to speak with your advisor or your professor about such memberships and see which one is right for you. Take a serious look at your professional development even now as a student and it could open a whole new perspective for you.
Usually, for a very nominal membership fee as a student member, you would gain access to many helpful tools to assist you in career development. Information about how to get into the field and everything from graduate school preparation to up-to-date issues can be found. Additionally, you may have various newsletters, journals, or databases that you can access, which would increase your overall exposure to the discipline.
Therefore, I would encourage each of you to speak with your advisor or your professor about such memberships and see which one is right for you. Take a serious look at your professional development even now as a student and it could open a whole new perspective for you.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Classroom behavior strategies class to be held October 27, 2009
Barbara Riedesel, Behavior Specialist from the Bolivar Exceptional Pupil Cooperative, will be teaching a Classroom Behavior Strategies class on Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Gott Education Building, Rooms 240 and 250 on the SBU Bolivar campus.
Classroom management and behavior/discipline strategies are often challenges for beginning teachers. This seminar will address strategies to help the beginning teacher determine appropriate tactics for their classroom.
The initial certificate (IPC) is valid for four years. During the valid dates of this classification, a teacher is required to participate in a beginning teacher assistance program. This seminar will help qualify the participant to advance to the next level of certification.
The cost for the seminar is $15.00 which includes a meal and drink The deadline to sign up is October 23, 2009. No late registrations will be allowed. The seminar is limited o the first 50 participants.
Registration forms MUST be accompanied by check or purchase order and may be faxed or mailed. For more information, please call (417) 328-1717.
Classroom management and behavior/discipline strategies are often challenges for beginning teachers. This seminar will address strategies to help the beginning teacher determine appropriate tactics for their classroom.
The initial certificate (IPC) is valid for four years. During the valid dates of this classification, a teacher is required to participate in a beginning teacher assistance program. This seminar will help qualify the participant to advance to the next level of certification.
The cost for the seminar is $15.00 which includes a meal and drink The deadline to sign up is October 23, 2009. No late registrations will be allowed. The seminar is limited o the first 50 participants.
Registration forms MUST be accompanied by check or purchase order and may be faxed or mailed. For more information, please call (417) 328-1717.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Homecoming
Homecoming is coming! I am looking forward to seeing some alumni and some current students in and around the SBU campus on the weekend of October 10th. Please take advantage of this time to meet our esteemed faculty, the newer ones and the ones who have been here a while. Many times, I never know who I will meet and it is a surprise. It is nice to catch up on everyone's lives and stories. So, come and share. Safe travels and blessings to all.
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