Analysis of Cohorts’ Needs in Developing and Implementing a Curriculum in a Christian High School

Abstract

This study aims at providing preliminary information for developing and implementing a curriculum that can help realize the educational philosophy, Christianity, of autonomous private high schools. The survey research method was employed in order to examine diverse cohorts’ responses to essential components necessary for establishing those schools. The participants were selected from diverse groups: Christian undergraduates, Christian teachers of secondary education, and sunday school teachers. They were asked about the basic components necessary for establishing an autonomous private high school, such as an educational spirit, directions, and a curriculum. The response rate was 76.8%. The data was analyzed by SPSS/PC+ program. The result of this study revealed six findings. First, paradigm of the faith education should be constructed in order to provide balanced education between spirituality and intellectuality. Second, a customized curriculum reflecting students’ career aptitudes needs to be developed and implemented. At the same time, the curriculum should also be more innovative and dynamic for fostering global leadership education. Third, specialized programs need to be developed for enhancing students’ spirituality, intellectuality, creativity, physical strength, sociability, and communicative competence. The school should adopt graduate accreditation systems in order to help students accomplish those goals. Forth, principals and teachers have to be faithful Christians, the former with vision and leadership, and the latter with professionalism and passion. Fifth, proper screening process for selecting students should be adopted in order to train global leaders based on Christianity. Sixth, school foundation should be a driving force behind school development, especially by participating in school management more actively. Meanwhile, proper facilities are prerequisite for implementing the well-devised curriculum.