As you all know, I am a Sunday School teacher in my church. This is a big calling for me and I prepare diligently for every lesson because at times, I feel unequal to the task of teaching something so important. This year our course of study is the Old Testament, and I have been putting a lot of thought and effort into not only learning the material, but improving the way I teach.
Gerald Lund's new book, In Tune: The Role of the Spirit in Teaching and Learning is a gem. It is divided into sections, with each part illustrating the point of how to be a better teacher and a better learner and what role the Spirit can play. I love that this book gently reminds us that the teacher isn't supposed to be shining in the limelight, but instead the teacher is a facilitator to helping everyone in the room to better understand and know the principles. Everyone should be moved upon by the Holy Ghost so the Spirit can teach and testify to the student. It is also a great reminder that every teacher is a student as well and we can't teach what we don't know. I loved the ideas presented in recognizing the Spirit and how to use it more effectively in our lives. This is a great book for everyone who wants to become closer to our Savior in learning and understanding.
Here's the back copy:
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are all teachers. Not only do we have a glorious mandate to "teach all nations" the gospel (Matthew 28:19), we also have numerous charges to "teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom" (D&C 88:77). In formal and informal settings, as parents or leaders or friends, we are constantly teaching and learning.
Not only has the Lord commanded us to teach, but He has taught us what we are to teach and how we are to do it: diligently and by the power of the Spirit. But how do we know if we're "doing it right"? What signs can we watch for that the Spirit is actually present in a teaching setting?
In this insightful companion volume to Hearing the Voice of the Lord, bestselling author Gerald N. Lund brings his decades of experience working in the Church Educational System to the topic of teaching and learning by the Spirit. He discusses common misconceptions, important questions we should ask about our teaching, and the role of the Holy Ghost in the process.
"The Lord has given the responsibility to save His children to teachers," writes Elder Lund. "The charge is clear. It is specific. It is inspiring. And, gratefully, the Lord blesses us greatly when we strive to carry out His will."
2 comments:
Holy smokes, are you the gospel doctrine instructor? I can barely eek out a primary lesson without breaking into a sweat. You are a very brave woman, Julie!
I've missed more classes this year than I've been able to attend. During the winter, our ward expands due to the snowbirds (down from Utah, Washington, Canada) wanting to come to the 9am meeting. They literally push the regular members aside. Sad, in a way, since we actually have two separate winter visitor wards. One in the super-nice, brand-new building, and the other in the building coveted by all the members. (I just didn't say that.)
That would be hard!
And yes, I'm the Gospel Doctrine instructor. It's been an eye-opening experience for sure. I love so many parts of it, but am still learning for sure. :)
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