Remote Gathering Quality Practices - Teaching Principles

Have you ever been in a meeting, whether at church, at work, at school, or perhaps at a conference of some kind, where you enjoyed participating and were motivated to engage in the discussion? What about the event made it so memorable? Was it the teacher or discussion leader? Was it the setting? Was it the topics being taught or discussed? Did you have a relationship of trust with your classmates and teacher? Perhaps the people participating with you were an incredible discussion group that offered more together than you could have gained on your own.

Remote gatherings in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion can be just as impactful, but what are principles for successful remote gatherings? What can the teacher and students do together to create a meaningful, impactful learning experience?

The remote gathering is the most like an in-person learning experience because:

• The learning experience happens at the same time and in the same place.

• The discussion is teacher led.

• The discussion is had with the whole class.

• The teacher can call on individual students.

• The interactions are very similar; the raising of hands, laughing and talking with each other, and discussion happen in real time over the videoconferencing software.

• Students can be put into small groups to discuss items further and then come back with the whole class to debrief.

Because of the similarities between the remote gathering and an in-person learning experience, the teaching principles that guide them are the same. These principles are found in Teaching in the Savior’s Way.

Overview of Christlike Teaching

Take some time and study the “Overview of Christlike Teaching” from Teaching in the Savior’s Way. As you read it, ask yourself the following questions:

• The lessons written in Canvas will likely do a lot to focus on Jesus Christ. What are some things that you can do in your remote gathering to help learners focus the discussion on the Savior, Jesus Christ?

• The Principles of Christlike Teaching are universal teaching principles, regardless of where teaching and learning take place. However, the practices listed underneath the principles may sometimes place more emphasis on an in-person learning setting. Prayerfully consider: In what ways can these practices be adapted for online teaching—including in the remote gathering?

Discuss with Your Supervisor

Take some time to go through the items listed below. Prepare to discuss these questions with your local S&I supervisor.

• Consider the two questions mentioned before the “Overview of Christlike Teaching.” Prepare to share your thoughts with your local S&I supervisor.

• Ask your local S&I supervisor if you could attend another teacher’s remote gathering or watch a recording of one. What kinds of strategies do they use to improve engagement? What principles and practices of remote gathering do you observe?