This study aims to explore effective approaches to student guidance
practiced by Christian teachers for contemporary adolescents who
experience emotional and value-related confusion in the context of rapid
social change and a digitalized environmen...
This study aims to explore effective approaches to student guidance
practiced by Christian teachers for contemporary adolescents who
experience emotional and value-related confusion in the context of rapid
social change and a digitalized environment. To this end, a qualitative case
study methodology was employed, involving twelve in-service and retired
Christian teachers who have guided adolescents in public school settings.
Analysis of in-depth interview data revealed seven core elements of
effective student guidance by Christian teachers: formation of trusting
relationships, integrity between words and actions, guidance with a
long-term perspective, utilization of personal experience, prayer grounded
in love for students’ souls, self-understanding as a missionary, and the
pursuit of holistic growth. In addition, student guidance practices were
categorized into two primary types—counseling-oriented and
activity-oriented. The counseling-oriented type was further divided into
introspective individual counseling and professional counseling, while the
activity-oriented type was subdivided into school-based activities and
extended activities beyond the school context. Based on these findings, the
study suggests that student guidance by Christian teachers should develop
toward strengthening respect for life, fostering a community-oriented
approach, and emphasizing horizontal relationships and communication. In
particular, a community-oriented approach entails both collaborative
engagement with other teachers, professionals, and parents, and intentional
guidance that encourages adolescents to embrace communal values within
an increasingly individualistic society.
These findings demonstrate that Christian teachers’ inner identity,
educational practices in school settings, and personal spiritual growth are
organically interconnected. In particular, this study shows that Christian
values held by Christian teachers should be manifested as integrated
practices within educational contexts through teachers’ attitudes and
actions. Furthermore, this study is significant in that it expands the
scholarly understanding of student guidance by Christian teachers and
suggests its applicability within public education settings for adolescents.