Outcomes and Assessment
Program Learning Outcomes
Each program has a specific set of learning outcomes which are assessed as a student proceeds through the curriculum. The learning outcomes for each program are listed below (click a program to expand the section) :
As a result of this program, the student will:
- Gain sufficient knowledge of the geography, history, social and cultural backgrounds of the Old and New Testament Scriptures to be able to interpret the Bible with sensitivity to these vital contextual issues.
- Understand, value, and use appropriately the principles of sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules, and specialized principles for the various biblical genres.
- Learn the general content, purpose, structure, themes, relationship, and theology of the Old and New Testament Scriptures.
- Learn to develop their theology from the foundation of the Bible rather than interpreting the Bible through the lens of their theology.
- Understand the entire story of the Bible and how each individual book fits in the context of the overall story.
- Learn to consistently work out the various implications of passages of Scripture, including both personal (both individualistic and corporate) application and theological implications.
- Develop and live out a philosophy of ministry that is derived primarily from the Scriptures.
- Actively engage differing worldviews in meaningful discussion in a gracious yet fearless manner.
- Pursue Christian maturity in every aspect of their person as a vital member of a local body of believers.
- Be able to understand and critique at a foundational level the philosophical & historical influences that have shaped humanity in general and Western culture in particular.
- Be able to articulate the basic tenets of the major world religions.
- Be able to significantly examine and appreciate a particular culture and learn to apply biblical truth to address the questions, concerns, and problems of that culture.
- Understand how the contemporary global theological environment developed historically from the time of the apostles.
- Understand how to apply knowledge in any vocation by utilizing appropriate research skills, problem solving, communication, and people skills.
As a result of this program, the student will:
- Gain sufficient knowledge of the geography, history, social and cultural backgrounds of the Old and New Testament Scriptures to be able to interpret the Bible with sensitivity to these vital contextual issues.
- Understand, value, and use appropriately the principles of sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules, and specialized principles for the various biblical genres.
- Learn the general content, purpose, structure, themes, relationship, and theology of the Old and New Testament Scriptures.
- Learn to develop their theology from the foundation of the Bible rather than interpreting the Bible through the lens of their theology.
- Understand the entire story of the Bible and how each individual book fits in the context of the overall story.
- Learn to consistently work out the various implications of passages of Scripture, including both personal (both individualistic and corporate) application and theological implications.
- Develop and live out a philosophy of ministry that is derived primarily from the Scriptures.
- Actively engage differing worldviews in meaningful discussion in a gracious yet fearless manner.
- Pursue Christian maturity in every aspect of their person as a vital member of a local body of believers.
- Be able to understand and critique at a foundational level the philosophical & historical influences that have shaped humanity in general and Western culture in particular.
- Be able to articulate the basic tenets of the major world religions.
- Be able to significantly examine and appreciate a particular culture and learn to apply biblical truth to address the questions, concerns, and problems of that culture.
- Understand how the contemporary global theological environment developed historically from the time of the apostles.
- Understand how to apply knowledge in any vocation by utilizing appropriate research skills, problem solving, communication, and people skills.
As a result of this program, the student will:
- Students will develop an understanding of the background of the biblical books and the biblical worldview. They will gain sufficient knowledge of the geography, history, social, and cultural backgrounds of the Old Testament Scriptures to be able to interpret the Bible with sensitivity to these vital contextual issues.
- Students will develop the ability to apply methods of biblical interpretation. They will understand, value, and use appropriately the principles of sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules, and specialized principles for the various biblical genres.
- Students will develop a familiarity with the Bible. They will learn the general content, purpose, structure, themes, relationships, and theology of the Old and New Testament Scriptures. They will also understand the entire story of the Bible and how each individual book fits in the context of the overall story.
- Students will develop the ability develop their theology from the Scriptures, rather than interpreting the Bible through the lens of theology.
- Students will develop a biblical understanding of ministry. They will develop and live out a philosophy of ministry that is derived primarily from the Scriptures.
- Students will develop the ability to engage various worldviews in meaningful discussion in a gracious yet fearless manner.
- Students will develop an understanding of the development of major historical issues. They will be able to understand and critique at a foundational level the philosophical and historical influences that have shaped humanity in general and Western culture in particular.
- Students will gain a familiarity of with the major world religions.
- Students will develop the ability to think biblically. This includes an understanding of the Bible as described in objective #2 above, but students will also learn to consistently work out the various implications of passages of Scripture, including both personal (both individual and corporate) application and theological implications.
- Students will develop the ability to understand, assess, and speak into culture. They will learn to significantly examine and appreciate culture and learn to apply biblical truth to address the questions, concerns, and problems of that culture.
- Students will develop their communication skills. They will understand how to apply knowledge in ministering to people by utilizing appropriate research, problem solving, communication, and people skills.
- Students will develop in their Christian maturity. They will pursue Christian maturity in every aspect of their person as a vital member of a local body of believers.
As a result of this program, the student will:
- Gain sufficient knowledge of the geography, history, social and cultural backgrounds of the Old and New Testament Scriptures to be able to interpret the Bible with sensitivity to these vital contextual issues.
- Understand, value, and use appropriately the principles of sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules, and specialized principles for the various biblical genres.
- Learn the general content, purpose, structure, themes, relationship, and theology of the Old and New Testament Scriptures.
- Learn to develop their theology from the foundation of the Bible rather than interpreting the Bible through the lens of their theology.
- Understand the entire story of the Bible and how each individual book fits in the context of the overall story.
- Learn to consistently work out the various implications of passages of Scripture, including both personal (both individualistic and corporate) application and theological implications.
- Develop and live out a philosophy of ministry that is derived primarily from the Scriptures.
- Actively engage differing worldviews in meaningful discussion in a gracious yet fearless manner.
- Pursue Christian maturity in every aspect of their person as a vital member of a local body of believers.
- Understand how to apply knowledge in any vocation by utilizing appropriate research skills, problem solving, communication, and people skills.
As a result of this program:
- Students will develop the ability to apply methods of biblical interpretation. They will understand, value, and use appropriately the principles of sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules, and specialized principles for the various biblical genres.
- Students will develop a familiarity with the Bible. They will learn the general content, purpose, structure, themes, relationships, and theology of the Old and New Testament Scriptures. They will also understand the entire story of the Bible and how each individual book fits in the context of the overall story.
- Students will develop a biblical understanding of vocation / work / calling. They will develop and live out a philosophy of vocation that is derived primarily from the Scriptures.
- Students will develop the ability to think biblically. This includes an understanding of the Bible as described in objective #2 above, but students will also learn to consistently work out the various implications of passages of Scripture, including both personal (both individual and corporate) application and theological implications. )
- Students will develop the ability to understand, assess, and speak into culture in general and occupational and educational culture in particular. They will learn to significantly examine and appreciate a specific educational or industry-specific culture and learn to apply biblical truth to address the questions, concerns, and problems of that culture.
- Students will develop their communication skills. They will understand how to apply knowledge in their everyday life by utilizing appropriate problem solving, communication, and people skills.
- Students will develop in their Christian maturity. They will pursue Christian maturity in every aspect of their person as a vital member of a local body of believers.
As a result of this program, the student will:
- Students will develop the ability to apply methods of biblical interpretation. They will understand, value, and use appropriately the principles of sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules, and specialized principles for the various biblical genres.
- Students will develop a familiarity with the Bible. They will learn the general content, purpose, structure, themes, relationships, and theology of the Old and New Testament Scriptures. They will also understand the entire story of the Bible and how each individual book fits in the context of the overall story.
- Students will develop a biblical understanding of ministry in general and youth ministry in particular. They will develop and live out a philosophy of ministry that is derived primarily from the Scriptures.
- Students will develop the ability to think biblically. This includes an understanding of the Bible as described in objective #2 above, but students will also learn to consistently work out the various implications of passages of Scripture, including both personal (both individual and corporate) application and theological implications.
- Students will develop the ability to understand, assess, and speak into culture in general and youth culture in particular. They will learn to significantly examine and appreciate youth culture and learn to apply biblical truth to address the questions, concerns, and problems of that culture.
- Students will develop their communication skills. They will understand how to apply knowledge in ministering to youth by utilizing appropriate problem solving, communication, and people skills.
- Students will develop in their Christian maturity. They will pursue Christian maturity in every aspect of their person as a vital member of a local body of believers.
As a result of this program, the student will:
- Students will develop the ability to apply methods of biblical interpretation. They will understand, value, and use appropriately the principles of sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules, and specialized principles for the various biblical genres.
- Students will develop a familiarity with the Bible. They will learn the general content, purpose, structure, themes, relationships, and theology of the Old and New Testament Scriptures. They will also understand the entire story of the Bible and how each individual book fits in the context of the overall story.
- Students will develop a biblical understanding of ministry in general and counseling in particular. They will develop and live out a philosophy of ministry that is derived primarily from the Scriptures.
- Students will develop the ability to think biblically. This includes an understanding of the Bible as described in objective #2 above, but students will also learn to consistently work out the various implications of passages of Scripture, including both personal (both individual and corporate) application and theological implications.
- Students will develop the ability to understand, assess, and speak into culture in general and an individual’s unique culture in particular. They will learn to significantly examine and appreciate a person’s culture and learn to apply biblical truth to address the questions, concerns, and problems of that culture.
- Students will develop their communication skills. They will understand how to apply knowledge in ministering to those they are counseling by utilizing appropriate problem solving, communication, and people skills.
- Students will develop in their Christian maturity. They will pursue Christian maturity in every aspect of their person as a vital member of a local body of believers.
As a result of this program, the student will:
- Students will develop the ability to apply methods of biblical interpretation. They will understand, value, and use appropriately the principles of sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules, and specialized principles for the various biblical genres.
- Students will develop a familiarity with the Bible. They will learn the general content, purpose, structure, themes, relationships, and theology of the Old and New Testament Scriptures. They will also understand the entire story of the Bible and how each individual book fits in the context of the overall story.
- Students will develop a biblical understanding of ministry. They will develop and live out a philosophy of ministry that is derived primarily from the Scriptures.
- Students will develop the ability to think biblically. This includes an understanding of the Bible as described in objective #2 above, but students will also learn to consistently work out the various implications of passages of Scripture, including both personal (both individual and corporate) application and theological implications.
- Students will develop the ability to understand, assess, and speak into culture. They will learn to significantly examine and appreciate the culture in which they minister and learn to apply biblical truth to address the questions, concerns, and problems of that culture.
- Students will develop their communication skills. They will understand how to apply knowledge in ministering to people by utilizing appropriate problem solving, communication, and people skills.
- Students will develop in their Christian maturity. They will pursue Christian maturity in every aspect of their person as a vital member of a local body of believers.
As a result of this program, the student will:
- Students will develop the ability to apply methods of biblical interpretation. They will understand, value, and use appropriately the principles of sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules, and specialized principles for the various biblical genres.
- Students will develop a familiarity with the Bible. They will learn the general content, purpose, structure, themes, relationships, and theology of the Old and New Testament Scriptures. They will also understand the entire story of the Bible and how each individual book fits in the context of the overall story.
- Students will develop a biblical understanding of ministry in general and global ministry in particular. They will develop and live out a philosophy of ministry that is derived primarily from the Scriptures.
- Students will develop the ability to think biblically. This includes an understanding of the Bible as described in objective #2 above, but students will also learn to consistently work out the various implications of passages of Scripture, including both personal (both individual and corporate) application and theological implications.
- Students will develop the ability to understand, assess, and speak into culture in general and their unique target culture in particular. They will learn to significantly examine and appreciate their target culture and learn to apply biblical truth to address the questions, concerns, and problems of that culture.
- Students will develop their communication skills. They will understand how to apply knowledge in ministering to people of another culture by utilizing appropriate problem solving, communication, and people skills.
- Students will develop in their Christian maturity. They will pursue Christian maturity in every aspect of their person as a vital member of a local body of believers.
Assessment
Eternity has several layers of assessing how well students are meeting their programmatic learning outcomes. These include grades and other feedback from specific courses, summative project assessments, and feedback from student mentors.
Here is a summary of changes that have been made as a result of previous assessment:
- All students are now placed into an English remediation course unless they test out by demonstrating requisite research skills or having a Bachelors degree or higher already.
- The capstone project was re-designed. Additional preparatory assignments were included, formal data gathering instructions were provided, a detailed rubric was established, webinar class meetings to better prepare DE students, split final presentation into 2 parts.
- The faculty determined that based upon assessment a summative project was needed for the Foundations curriculum to better prepare for Senior Project and serve as an appropriate entry level summative project.
- Additional intensive courses were offered as electives to bolster specific learning objectives.
- The Bachelor’s curriculum map was adjusted and as a result Wisdom Literature was integrated into the Writings Module and with the 2 units of coursework available “Theory and Method of Theology” was added.
- The Biblical Theology of the Old Testament course was redesigned in order to better achieve learning outcomes.
- The Hebrew Bible Module was completely refreshed and redesigned.
- The Foundations curriculum has been revised in order to achieve intended outcomes pertaining to General Education from a biblical worldview.
- Distance education instituted an attendance/participation policy to ensure all students are engaged.
I signed up for an education, what I received was so much more. I was mentored and discipled by fellow students and staff who had been transformed by God’s incredible love and lived every aspect of their lives as a response to that love. The more I learned to study God’s Word, the more I grew in my relationship with Jesus. And the more I learned about God’s love for the world, the more I felt called to take up my part in making this great love known.