One of the keys to gospel learning is to have the proper atmosphere in our class settings.
This, of course, means we need to have the Spirit present - but having a learning atmosphere encompasses more:
More on this topic can be found at:
Create a Learning Atmosphere - Principles and Methods of Teaching - Leadership and Teaching
“As a gospel teacher, you should do all you can to create an atmosphere that contributes to learning. Preparing a comfortable and inviting classroom is important to encouraging learning. Helping class members respect you and each other will also contribute to a learning atmosphere.
One of the most important things you can do is to promote reverence. Begin by being a good example of reverent behavior. Set limits that define what behavior is acceptable and unacceptable in your class. If you teach children, take time to explain clearly what reverent behavior is. Using music in the lessons you teach will help learners feel reverent.
If you have students who disrupt your lessons, seek to understand why they are being disruptive and pray for the Spirit’s guidance. Try to help the person participate in positive ways, and if necessary speak privately with the person. As you seek to resolve the problem, do all you can to show the person you care about him or her.”
May we all foster these learning atmospheres in our classrooms, creating the spiritual environment that will help students to build testimonies rather than just getting information.
In the news:
Seminary & Institute Annual Training Broadcast for 2016
Conducting a Well-Tuned Group Discussion
“When you lead a gospel discussion, it might be helpful to think of yourself as a conductor of an orchestra. Those you are teaching are not the audience listening to the concert. They are in the orchestra, playing their parts to create music. The conductor coordinates the musicians, brings out the best in each, and helps their music become an inspiring work of art. Meaningful gospel discussions can be like conducting beautiful music. One of the teacher’s key roles is to direct the discussion so learners have the opportunity to feel the Spirit and discover truths for themselves.”
“The lesson materials, the chapters of scripture, the insights you gained as you studied—it’s all so good, but your hours of study often can’t be replicated in a designated period of time. Your task is not to share all you learned but to direct the class time in such a way that learners discover truths for themselves—much as you did in your own preparation. Pray for help, and the Holy Ghost will teach you what to focus on. As you focus on a few truths, you can allow for a more meaningful discussion that penetrates deeper into the hearts of those you teach.”
BYU Education Week 2016: Improve gospel study by seeking personal revelation
An Example of the Believers - How to defend the doctrines of God in a Christ-like way
“You and I also have a difficult mission in today's world. It is to teach and defend the truths contained in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the world in which we live, I know it can be difficult to understand exactly what the best rules of engagement are, especially when you are surrounded by so many voices that are willing to challenge the truth. There can often be so many barrages from so many different angles that it is difficult to know how to respond. Today, I want to talk with you-and hopefully provide an example to you-about what it means to be what the Apostle Paul called "an example of the believers"[1]-what it means to teach and defend eternal truth in the way that our Heavenly Father desires, while at the same time exemplifying the respect, compassion, and deep love that Christ exemplified. What it means to earnestly defend what we know to be right without just firing indiscriminately in any direction at any perceived enemy. “