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Philosophy
The educational philosophy of Eastside Christian Schools’ Discovery Center is based on a God-centered view where all truth is God’s truth and that the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God which contains all truth. God created all things and sustains all things. Therefore, the universe and man are dynamically related to God and have the purpose of glorifying Him. “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” Colossians 1:28. Since we are created by God, our aim, socially, is to provide a Christian perspective on the total world view from which derives our desire to love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. God exhorts us to have the mind of Christ – “the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6
From learning theory models such as Voygotsky’s Social Influences, Feuerstein’s Mediated Learning, and Luria’s Functional Systems comes the belief that learning is an interpersonal experience and that thinking can be transformed by the discovery of strategies through deliberate interaction with a mediator. Voygotsky developed a model of cognitive development based on the theory that each student has a zone of proximal development (ZPD) for learning. The therapist identifies the level of difficulty that is neither too hard nor too easy for the student. This ZPD model helps students successfully learn under adult guidance.
The Feuerstein model of Mediated Learning Experience (MLE) creates an atmosphere where a student is cognitively challenged through interaction with a mediator. Luria’s theory of developmental sequencing assists in guiding each student on their unique cognitive maturation path towards higher level functioning and simultaneous thinking. When these theories are applied in the classroom, teachers make accommodations and/or modifications according to the ZPD with the assistance of the educational therapist. National Institute for Learning Development (NILD) educational therapy incorporates these above theories, because adult guidance through a trained therapist can lead the student to think more efficiently.
The therapy session involves interactive dialogue in helping the student to utilize careful planning, flexibility, and evaluation. The educational therapist assists the student in processing information at higher levels of thinking.
The role of the therapist (or mediator) in NILD therapy is a calling from God. This role has been modeled by the life of Christ, and we have not yet experienced the full implications of what this means. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.” I Timothy 2:5
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Programs 