You can explore the actual lesson 7 outlined in Teaching, No Greater Call here. Below is a summary outline of the discussion held in class. If you have any questions, email Marshall Snedaker at sne00005@gmail.com.
Lesson 7: Create a Learning Atmosphere
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Since I had the opportunity to teach, I wanted to share some of the things that I learned from the lesson:
1. I learned that by focusing on love and humility it is possible to overcome most distractions and difficult comments to overcome.
2. Always speak with individuals that distract during class - pull them aside and speak with them, where possible ask them to assist you in maintaining reverence etc.
3. Learners have a great responsibility in the atmosphere of the class. It is possible for individuals to attend and ask questions, generate a response etc. to participate in the class and support the teacher.
4. The way a teacher handles answers to questions can set the tone for the class. It can create a comfortable setting that gives people an opportunity to comment - whether they know the answer or not.
5. Gaining trust as a teach is an important principle to establish a learning atmosphere. If a teacher can stand up set the tone by establishing humility and love for the class, participants can feel more at ease in participating.
5. Gaining trust as a teach is an important principle to establish a learning atmosphere. If a teacher can stand up set the tone by establishing humility and love for the class, participants can feel more at ease in participating.
List some of the areas you’ve had difficulty with in creating a learning atmosphere:
Creating Enthusiasm / Interest
Distractions / Disruptions
Negative Comments / Feedback
Our success in influencing others depends on our humility and love.
Why are humility and love important in influencing others for good?
“God’s chief way of acting is by persuasion and patience and long-suffering, not by coercion and stark confrontation. He acts by gentle solicitation and by sweet enticement. He always acts with unfailing respect for the freedom and independence that we possess. He wants to help us and pleads for the chance to assist us, but he will not do so in violation of our agency. He loves us too much to do that” (President Howard W. Hunter, in Conference Report, Oct. 1989, 21; or Ensign, Nov. 1989, 18).
Distractions / Disruptions Case Study
Jake and class members are great friends at school and it becomes evident during a Young Men’s lesson. Jake seems a little uninterested starts to frequently chat with his buddies next to him. When the teacher asks Jake a specific question to re-engage him, he responds with a comment that causes the class to erupt with laughter.
What’s the problem? What’s the solution?
Engagement / Participation Case Study
Gospel Doctrine Class is generally going well. The teacher is generally confident about the lessons he delivers. However, he feels like more discussion should be present. He understands the importance of doctrine - reading scriptures and quotes from general authorities in class often, but feels that he loses the classes interest, enthusiasm, and participation.
What’s the problem? What’s the solution?
What’s the problem? What’s the solution?
Engagement / Participation Case Study
During Youth Sunday School class, the teacher has prayerfully prepared a great lesson and anticipates some real-life application for her class. The teacher has prepared questions in advance to spark a lively discussion, but the kids respond with basic answers and shift in their seats uncomfortably. The lesson doesn’t seem to be sinking in.
What’s the problem? What’s the solution?
Enthusiasm and Application of the Gospel
Learners may come to class for a variety of reasons. However, when they arrive you should help them focus with enthusiasm on one purpose: learning the gospel. You can do this by helping them see that the gospel will help them solve their problems, enrich their lives, and increase their happiness.
How do we help them see this?
Encourage those you teach to come to class prepared to learn and participate. When they are striving individually to learn the gospel, they are more likely to contribute to the learning atmosphere during lessons (see “Helping Individuals Take Responsibility for Learning the Gospel,” pages 61–62).
Simple out-of-class assignments sometimes help, especially when they encourage learners to apply gospel principles in everyday life (see “Helping Others Live What They Learn,” page 74). When you give out-of-class assignments, you should usually give class members an opportunity to report later. This will help them understand the value you place on what they have learned and accomplished.
How can we encourage the class to come prepared?
Use a Variety of Teaching Methods That Invite Participation
The learning atmosphere is enhanced when all present are interested in the lesson and participate in discussions and other activities. To help maintain a high level of interest and participation, use a variety of teaching methods (see “Teaching with Variety,” pages 89–90).
Share Your Feelings, Experiences, and Testimony DURING the lesson
As you share your feelings, experiences, and testimony, others may be inspired to do the same. This will strengthen those who share as well as those who listen. New converts especially may need to see that in the Church we all teach and learn from one another, regardless of our level of experience. Each person has something to contribute. We listen to each other’s contributions so that “all may be edified of all” (D&C 88:122).
Express Positive Feelings to the Children
When children are criticized or spoken to in a negative way, they often feel inadequate or rejected. They may try to gain attention by disturbing other children or otherwise misbehaving. On the other hand, positive comments will help them understand that you expect the best from them. Recognize and thank them for the good things they do, and ignore minor problems. As you do so, they will begin to feel that they are accepted, loved, and understood. (For more suggestions, see the videocassettes Primary Leader Training and Teach the Child.)
Set the Tone By your Response to Questions
Invite learners to think of things they can do to help each other feel loved and appreciated. By the things you do and say, those you teach can learn to show respect for one another. Your responses to questions can show them how to respond respectfully to each other’s comments and questions (see “Listening,” pages 66–67). Reassure them that all sincere questions will be welcome. One person’s questions may help you clarify principles that others also do not understand.
Greet Learners Warmly
If you are a classroom teacher, smile as class members enter the room. Greet individuals with a handshake. Tell them that you are glad to see them. Express appreciation for them. Just one or two sentences of warm greeting can put them at ease and help them prepare to learn.
You can also make family home evening and family scripture study special occasions by extending a warm welcome to each family member as you begin.
Love and Reach Out to Each Individual
Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34). You should seek to love those you teach—not only when they are easy to love, but also when they try your patience (see “Seeking the Gift of Charity,” page 12).
Each person you teach is precious in the sight of the Lord, and each person should be precious in your sight as well. Find ways to reach out to each person you teach (see “Reaching Out to the One,” pages 35–36). As those you teach realize that you love them and are concerned about them, they will learn to trust you. They will become more teachable and less likely to cause disruptions (see “Love Softens Hearts,” pages 31–32).
Teaching Others about a Learning Atmosphere
Part of your responsibility as a teacher is to help learners understand what they can do to create an atmosphere conducive to learning. Each learner is responsible for helping the others have a good learning experience. As you strive to establish a learning atmosphere in your class, you are not merely correcting behavior or making sure that your presentation is not interrupted. You are fulfilling your divine commission to help others become better disciples of the Savior.
To teach family members or class members to contribute to a learning atmosphere, consider conducting a discussion using the following suggestions:
- Express your feelings about the gospel, and explain that you want to help others learn gospel truths.
- Discuss the responsibility we have to help one another learn the gospel (see page 77).
- Talk about the importance of participating in lessons.
- Ask those present to suggest things they can do to help create a learning atmosphere.
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