Principles of Christlike Teaching: Invite Diligent Learning

Encourage learners to share the truths they are learning.

Skill

Help students create or begin gospel conversations.

Define

The Lord has asked the youth and young adults to help gather Israel. Sharing their beliefs and testimonies with others will invite further learning and deepen their conversion to the Savior and His gospel. Some students struggle with knowing how to begin these gospel conversations. Students can begin gospel conversations with others by (1) considering what they are learning about Jesus Christ and His gospel, (2) pondering who would benefit from the discussion, and (3) deciding how they will prompt a discussion with that individual. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as teaching a Come, Follow Me lesson, leading a class discussion, writing a note, sending a text message, or sharing an article about the Church. The purpose is not to share the belief or experience but rather to initiate a gospel conversation. Doing so invites others to ask questions and encourages further conversations in the future.

Note: If you have students who are fearful of doing this, consider how you can help them connect with Jesus Christ. He will help them as they open their mouths to share His truth.

The models and practices below are general examples. Training will be more effective if models and practice opportunities are connected to the next lessons that will be covered in the curriculum.

Model

Toward the end of class, invite your students to ponder who they would like to share something with. Invite them to write a quick note or send a text that will provide an opportunity for them to have a gospel conversation with that person when they see each other. For example, students could text:

• “We talked about something in seminary today that made me think of you. Remind me to tell you about it when I see you next.”

• “Hey, I’ve been thinking about the Savior’s ability to forgive. Can you help me think through some things about Him? If so, when would be a good time to talk?”

Click here to see a video of this model.

Practice

Come up with three other phrases you could use as examples to help students see how to begin a gospel conversation.

Discuss or Ponder

• What have you learned about helping learners create or begin gospel conversations?

• How can helping learners share their beliefs and testimonies with their families help their seminary or institute experience be a truly home-centered experience?

Incorporate

Share with your students some examples of what they could write to initiate a gospel conversation, and then practice sharing them in class. Have other students help them improve. Invite them to initiate the conversation when they are ready.

Want More?

• Russell M. Nelson, “How to Share the Gospel,” New Era, July 2011, 48

• “Sharing the Gospel,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Skill

Prepare invitations for students to share with each other what they are learning.

Define

Invitations that help students share what they learn are simple, clear, and specific. They are instructions that help students teach, explain, share, ask questions, or testify to one another. These invitations often include elements such as the following:

• Why they are sharing.

• What to share.

• When and who they will share with.

You may need to give students time to prepare to share their thoughts. These can be invitations to share with one person, in small groups, or with the whole class. Inviting students to share what they are learning with each other is an act of faith that allows the Holy Ghost to edify all students involved in the conversation.

The models and practices below are general examples. Training will be more effective if models and practice opportunities are connected to the next lessons that will be covered in the curriculum.

Model

Here are some examples of what this might look like in a classroom setting:

• “Thank for spending some time reading 3 Nephi 11:10–15. I’d like to give you an opportunity to share something you learned about Jesus Christ and why it matters to you. Will you please turn to someone you are sitting by and take turns sharing what you learned about Jesus Christ in these verses and why it matters to you?”

• “Take one more minute to write down what you learned from Peter’s experience with Jesus Christ in Matthew 14:22–33. I know that each of you has something valuable to share. Who would be willing to start by sharing one thing you are learning from Peter’s experience with Jesus Christ?”

• “In just a moment we will be moving into small groups to discuss what you are learning about increasing faith in Jesus Christ. [Give the students a minute, and then give the next part of the invitation.] Will you please organize yourselves into groups of three or four? [Or in a larger class you may want to put them in groups.] When you get into your groups, take turns sharing an experience where your faith in Jesus Christ has been strengthened.”

Click here to see a video of this model.

Practice

• Look at your most recent lesson plan and prepare an invitation for your students to share something they learned in a group of two or three.

• Look at a scripture block in the curriculum you are going to teach in the future. Prepare an invitation that allows students to share a personal experience or testimony with another person they are sitting by.

Incorporate

• As you prepare lessons in the next few weeks, make sure you incorporate at least one opportunity in each lesson for students to share what they are learning with each other, either one on one or in small groups.

Discuss and Ponder

• What difference will this make in student engagement?

• How have you already seen some benefits of students sharing with each other?

Want More?

• “An Evening with Elder David A. Bednar” (evening with a General Authority, Feb. 7, 2020), ChurchofJesusChrist.org

• Doctrine and Covenants 88:122