Discovering The Bible (DVD course)

by Vision Video

Religious_studiesGrades 7–12

Discovering The Bible (DVD course): Video-Based Biblical Survey

Discovering The Bible is a four-part video-based course covering Bible overview, Old Testament, New Testament, and biblical preservation/influence. Produced by Vision Video with Christian History Institute, it targets grades 7-12 with a non-denominational Protestant approach and includes teacher guides and student worksheets.

Best for

Grades 7-12 students needing an introductory or survey-level understanding of the Bible, homeschool families, and Sunday School classes seeking structured video-based instruction

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 2 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Teacher TrainingStrength

The curriculum includes substantial teacher support with background information and detailed instructional guidance.

The Leader's Guide 'includes further background information for the teacher' and provides comprehensive lesson planning support, though the reviewer recommends teachers 'familiarize themselves with the support materials and the videos ahead of time'

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum facilitates structured instruction through comprehensive teacher materials and clear lesson plans.

The Leader's Guide 'presents complete lesson plans for presenting the videos, guiding discussion, working with student handouts' and 'seems to be well-thought-out,' unlike most video study guides

Historical ContextStrength

The curriculum provides strong historical context, particularly regarding Bible preservation and transmission through key historical figures.

The fourth segment 'incorporates lengthy clips from films about Wycliffe, Tyndale, and Luther' and covers 'Preservation, Circulation, and Influence,' indicating substantial historical coverage

Theological KnowledgeNeutral

The curriculum covers foundational biblical concepts but lacks depth in theological development. It functions better as an introduction than comprehensive study.

Covers 'authenticity, historicity, organization, the canon, transmission, conflicts, and impact of the Bible' but 'does not delve into deeper questions of inerrancy' and 'functions best as either an introduction to the Bible or a survey course'

Primary Text EngagementNeutral

The curriculum directs students to related Bible study but appears to rely primarily on video content rather than direct engagement with biblical texts.

The Leader's Guide includes 'directing related Bible study' and student handouts, but the review emphasizes video presentations as the primary content delivery method

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence to assess systematic vocabulary instruction.

The review mentions student handouts and worksheets but provides no specific information about religious or theological vocabulary development

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Key Facts
GradesGrades 7–12
SubjectReligious_studies
PedagogyTraditional
Faith-BasedChristian/Protestant

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy