What is learning and how is it best effectuated by an instructor? In all fairness, I am writing this blog after having read two well thought out blogs from Amy and Mary. Their thoughts helped me to gather my own. Thanks girls.
When teaching a class of thirty students in seminary, I quickly assume their life experiences and/or schema have been VERY similar to mine, when in reality thirty students = thirty different takes on life, thirty different experiences, thirty different backgrounds, etc. The trick is to use those to the best of your ability (without exploitation) when students permit exposure of their schema. EXAMPLE: the other day we were talking about appropriate familial relationships in the scriptures (Nephi's dysfunctional family) and several students offered their experience and knowledge gained coming from divorced families and how it has helped or hindered relationships in their own family. One student even made the comment, "I knew Laman and Lemuel were stupid, but I never realized their family is a lot like mine." Connection made. The discussion then opened up to "what have we learned in our own families that will help us be better in the future?" Their belief windows aren't as rose-colored as mine was as a youth. These kids have a good head on their shoulders.
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I think it is great when students will open up in the classroom and share their related schema with everyone else. I really believe that this is when your students have reached a level of higher learning. It is so important reach that level of community, a level where everyone is comfortable and willing to share life experiences. It is also great to see your students making connections. I think this is the most rewarding thing about teaching!
ReplyDeleteThis may sound naive, but I believe seminary to be a safer haven for students than say, shop class. . . Obviously the teacher dictates classroom culture, so it cuold be the case that a shop class is a safety for some.
ReplyDeleteIn the greater picture, however, I would argue that by its design, seminarians allow for a higher level of safety. Therefore, once a student crosses into the seminary building, they are essentially transported into church. Thus, they are safe not only mortally, but spiritually.
By you enabling this feeling of safety, you allow for your students to feel safe enough to share the most intimate details of their lives. Then, they can go to the next level and begin to relate not only to the materials, but to their peers and possible even you.
Kudos to you, Brother Burgess.