Introduction
Hello, learners and teachers of all ages! In this journey of life, we often find ourselves playing dual roles, where we learn from others and also impart knowledge to those around us. In such exchanges, the manner and spirit in which we teach and learn matters significantly. Today, we dive deep into the heart of the LDS Manual of 2016, “Teaching in The Savior’s Way.” This manual has transformed many teaching practices, instilling the values of love, compassion, focus, and spiritual guidance in learning environments. Stick around as we illuminate the path to teaching in the Savior’s way.
Overview of “Teaching in The Savior’s Way”
“Teaching in The Savior’s Way” is not your typical instruction manual. It’s a guide that helps teachers to go beyond just conveying information and to instill a love for learning, a sense of purpose, and spiritual connection in their students. It encompasses teachings from the scriptures, the words of Latter-day prophets, and the experiences of teachers around the world.
One of the key takeaways of the manual is the emphasis on teaching as Jesus did. Jesus was not just a conveyor of information; He was a master teacher who touched lives, inspired souls, and led people toward a path of righteousness and truth. He taught in ways that were simple yet profound, using parables and real-life examples that people could relate to.
The manual lays out principles that, when implemented, can transform a classroom into a nurturing, inspiring, and sacred space. Whether you’re a teacher in Sunday School, a parent homeschooling your children, or a leader offering guidance to your team, these principles can uplift your teaching methods and impact those you teach.
Key Themes in the Manual
There are three key themes that the manual emphasizes:
Love and Compassion
Jesus taught with love and compassion, caring for each person He met. He saw individuals for who they truly were – children of God – and treated them as such. “Teaching in The Savior’s Way” emphasizes the importance of incorporating this love and compassion in our teaching methods. This might look like taking the time to understand each student’s needs, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, or going the extra mile to help someone struggling. (John 13:34-35)
Focus on the Learner
Christ tailored His teachings to suit the listener. The manual encourages teachers to focus on the learners, to teach according to their understanding and experiences, and to adjust their teaching methods to fit the learner’s needs. For example, a teacher might incorporate more visual aids for visual learners or offer more hands-on experiences for kinesthetic learners. (Matthew 9:36)
Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in teaching and learning. It’s through the Spirit that we gain a testimony of truth. As such, the manual encourages teachers to invite the Spirit into their classrooms and to teach by the Spirit. This could mean starting and ending each lesson with a prayer, incorporating hymns and scriptures into the lesson, and creating a peaceful and reverent atmosphere in the classroom. (John 14:26)
Applying the Principles in Real Life (Case Studies)
Incorporating these principles in our teaching methods can have a profound impact on our learners. Let’s look at a few real-life examples.
Case Study 1: A Sunday School teacher noticed that one of her students seemed disinterested during lessons. Remembering the principle of focusing on the learner, she took the time to talk with the student and learned that he was a visual learner. She then started incorporating more visual aids and activities in her lessons, which greatly improved the student’s engagement and understanding.
Case Study 2: A parent was struggling with homeschooling her child. After reading the manual, she started incorporating more love and compassion into her teaching methods, such as being more patient, encouraging, and understanding. She also invited the Spirit into their homeschooling journey through prayer and scripture study. These changes transformed their homeschooling experience, making it more enjoyable and fruitful.
Conclusion
The teachings of the Savior have the power to transform lives, and “Teaching in The Savior’s Way” provides us with the guidelines to incorporate His teachings into our learning environments. As we start embodying these principles in our teaching methods, we not only uplift our learners but also find ourselves growing in love, understanding, and spirituality.
Let’s take the teachings of the Savior beyond the scriptures and our church meetings. Let’s incorporate them in our homes, our workplaces, our communities. Let’s teach as the Savior did – with love, with focus, and with the Spirit. Let’s illuminate the path to teaching in the Savior’s way.
Glossary of Terms for Further Understanding
- LDS: Latter-Day Saints, commonly refers to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Sunday School: A church-organized religious education program, commonly held on Sundays.
- Homeschooling: Education received at home rather than at a traditional school, often conducted by a parent.
