As a TC teacher and center director for 22 years I consistently implemented PSNL contracts for the entire length of the program because I believed PSNL was an awesome curriculum and teaching model! Most Teen Challenge centers use the PSNL materials and teaching model, especially in the induction centers. The potential for impact in the student’s lives’ is huge if PSNL is implemented as designed.

GSNL is used in a more traditional classroom setting with lecture and classroom discussion, whereas PSNL is an individualized discipleship training model. The major distinctive of individualized education is that the teacher is not up in front of the class lecturing the entire group. In the PSNL classroom the teacher works on a one-to-one basis with the students. More than just a particular set of curriculum – PSNL is a model and structure of conducting class where the teachers provide direction and specific resources to address the particular needs and interests of each individual student such as, salvation, self-image; depression, anger, marriage and family, etc. (Check out the contract idea in the article listed below.)

Each “contract” is typically a month long and includes 5 key elements to create a framework for study that focuses on the specific need in a student’s life:

• Personal Reading
• Bible reading
• Scripture Memory
• Character Qualities
• Lessons

PSNL studies may also include Sunday Sermon Personalization and other Special Projects.
It is key to remember that students work should focus on: Application! Application! Application! The student must first know the information (the facts), then understand how it applies to their lives and then how to implement and apply in their own lives. It is important to keep this in mind when developing a new contract for a student.

Students set daily goals as a means of helping them to develop their ability to manage their time. Having small goals also gives them a lot of small wins so that they begin to build confidence in their ability to learn and handle responsibilities.

An Ideal PSNL Class:

• Ideally, PSNL class should be conducted 1 ½ to 2 hours 5 days per week.
• Ideally, PSNL class should have one teacher for every 5 students.
• Ideally, each student has his or her own student desk, private, personalized space that creates a studious environment. This is a space they can go to at any time to study and read.

Because PSNL is a totally different approach to education than the traditional classroom, teacher training is very important. There is a PSNL teacher certification course that is provided through the Teen Challenge national office that equips staff to facilitate a PSNL classroom. I believe that it is beneficial for all staff to be PSNL certified for several different reasons:

• If a certified teacher is gone on vacation or resigns you don’t leave the classroom understaffed or with untrained staff.
• It gives all the staff a better understanding and appreciation for the PSNL classroom and helps them to be better prepared to offer suggestions for what a particular student may benefit from on a PSNL contract.
• Much of the training material will be beneficial to all staff – whether facilitating the PSNL class or not.

As I said at the beginning I believe that PSNL is awesome. However that is based on it being utilized as designed. If it is conducted improperly or understaffed it is potentially a time waster for staff and students.

In the PSNL classroom you are able to interact with each student on a personal level dealing with their specific needs. You are able to read a students work. When you read a student’s work you are listening to them. When they know you are listening to them — on paper — they will talk, often more openly than in a one on one conversation. How do they know you are listening?

They know when you comment in writing or when you pull them to the side for a moment of private conversation during class or after class to commend them on their work or encourage them regarding an issue they have been transparent about.

Think about it –

• How much time do you allot for PSNL on a weekly basis?
• How many PSNL certified teachers to you have in the classroom?
• Do you take time to interact and respond to student work?
• What are two things you can do this week to begin improving the PSNL class?