Invite Diligent Learning

Skill: Let students know they have time to think of a response when a question is asked.

students in institute

What is my initial understanding or ability? (Assessment)

How often do you tell your students that you will give them time to process a question before they respond?

What is it and why is it important? (Define):

Letting students know they have time to think of an answer before they share is one way to encourage better responses when questions are posed. This gives them time to think, prepare, and receive impressions from the Holy Ghost. It also eliminates what some students may consider “awkward silence.” Whenever a question is asked, the teacher can let students know they will have a certain amount of time to consider the question before they share their thoughts and feelings.

Who or what provides a good illustration of this? (Model):

Here are a few examples of what a teacher can say:

• “Before you answer this question take a moment to think.”

• “Please ponder the following question for a couple minutes and prepare to share with the person you are sitting by.”

• “Please take a minute to think about how you would answer the following question.”

How can I practice using this skill or applying this principle? (Practice)

Write a statement that lets your students know they have time to prepare a response to each of the following questions being asked:

1. When have you felt the love of God in your life?

2. What does it mean to you to “trust in the Lord with all your heart”?

3. How does this principle help you come unto Jesus Christ?

Ponder or discuss:

Now that you have practiced this skill, why do you think it is important to sometimes let your students know they have time to ponder a question before they respond to it?

How and when will I incorporate this?

Consider the questions you will ask in upcoming lessons and determine which ones you will tell students they have time to ponder before answering.