In this episode, Rob and Jared chat with Dr. Tom Hutchison. Dr. Hutchison – who received his PhD in Education from Marquette University and currently teaches in the School of Biblical and Theological Studies at Cedarville University – talks about servant teaching and preparing students for their careers and lives. Contact us at [email protected] with any questions. You can also visit our blog at cedarville.edu/focusblog for additional resources.

Dr. Hutchison identified four variables in teaching: teacher, student, content, and context. Our understanding and reflection of each of those can help strengthen our teaching and make us better servant teachers. According to Dr. Hutchison, servant teaching is not necessarily a practice he employs, but a part of his nature and his mission because of his relationship with Jesus.

It is important to make sure our instruction is student-centered. Dr. Hutchison reminds us that we are not teaching content; we are teaching students. He even goes as far to plan his course with pictures of his students on his desk. What are students learning in your course besides the content? What real-world skills will they develop as part of your course?

It is also important to allow for space and flexibility in our courses. Dr. Hutchison will often move assignments or create a buffer for his assignments to account for the busyness of student life. Gathering student feedback is crucial. Knowing when to request feedback – and what kinds of feedback to ask for – can help you build your class to benefit students.  

• FOCUS Blog: Introducing Servant Teaching  
• FOCUS Blog: Servant Teaching: Listening and Learning 
• FOCUS Blog: Four Practical Steps For Servant Teaching 
• Servant Teaching: Practices for Renewing Christian Higher Education