Effective Teaching

Stake leaders have been asked to think about effective teaching practices.  We have been encouraged to teach like the Savior.  I would encourage you to study more about the Savior and His way of teaching.  Understand that whatever your abilities there is always room for improvement.  Please stop by some of your classrooms in the next couple of months and see how effective the teaching is.  Observe. Bring a thank you to the teacher.  See where you can help and if there are any needs that can be met through training.  

Study Handbook 2 Section 1.2.2, 1.4, and 1.4.1

In the Ensign this month there is an article on page 10 called, "We Teach By The Power Of The Holy Ghost".  

In this article it states that effective teachers love, teach by the Spirit, teach doctrine, and invite discussion.  To be effective we must prepare early and study more than we need.  We need to know and love those we teach so we will use the proper methods to meet the needs and get results from our students.  In 2Nephi 33:1 it says, "When a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it to the hearts of the children of men." In D&C 42:14 it says, "And the Spirit shall be given unto you by prayer and faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach."  We have to pray and ask for the Spirit to be with us when we teach.  We have to ask that we will say what Heavenly Father wants our students to know.  We have to ask that our students will feel the Spirit when we teach.  We then must have faith that the Holy Ghost will deliver.  When we testify the Spirit will come.  Use the scriptures and church approved materials.  Have students interact. Ask yourself, "What will the children do to learn today and how can I help them feel the Spirit?" That means, ask questions, discuss, and have students apply what they have learned.  Invite them to do something and then follow-up the next week.  It could be as simple as asking students to find one way to help a family member that week and then ask them what they did the next Sunday.  Even children are responsible for their own learning.  Help them, give them an opportunity to apply a gospel principle.  

In this article President Hinckley was quoted, he said "Eternal life will come only as men and women are taught with such effectiveness that they change and discipline their lives.  They cannot be coerced into righteousness or into heaven.  They must be led, and that means teaching".

Autumn McClellan

Arlington Stake Primary President