INSTITUTE CLASS @JBLFMU-A "Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel" Integration of the New Testament Course for Holistic Formation of University Scholars

This best practice examined the implementation and impact of the New Testament Course as a values-formation initiative among university scholars at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. during the School Year 2023–2024. Anchored on holistic education, the initiative aimed to strengthen students’ spiritual formation, enhance mental and social well-being, and promote discipline and ethical behavior alongside academic development. A descriptive research design was employed, involving twenty-eight (28) university scholars selected through purposive sampling. A researcher-made questionnaire, validated by experts and tested for reliability using the Kuder–Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20), was utilized. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentage distribution.

Results revealed that the New Testament Course had a positive impact across social, mental, and spiritual domains. Socially, scholars reported improved self-control, responsible behavior, and motivation for social engagement. Mentally, the course fostered inner strength, hope, peace, and motivation. Spiritually, it deepened students’ relationship with God and others, encouraged forgiveness and compassion, strengthened resilience during challenging times, and reinforced values that regulate lifestyle choices. Thematic analysis yielded three core outcomes: strengthening faith in God, holistic well-being, and discipline in everyday life.

The findings affirm that the structured integration of the New Testament Course is an effective unit best practice that contributes to holistic student development. The initiative is recommended for sustained implementation, institutionalization, and possible expansion to other student groups to further support values-based and transformative education.