Going Deeper With Your Content Preparation

Content is preprocessed by teacher > Teacher delivers content to student > Student memorizes content> Student hopefully ready for exams

Is there room for inviting the hearers to use their imagination to express the content in multiple ways? You may accomplish this using additional tools (not exhaustive): (1) Storytelling; (2) Asking questions; (3) Case studies; and (4) Figures of speech.

• Strive to Model the Message: As best as you can, live the message in a way that encourages students to pursue the goals you have set for them. Jesus demonstrated this when He washed His disciples’ feet amidst their fuss over positions in the future Kingdom of God. He told them, “I have set the example for you…leaders are preoccupied with serving each other” (author’s paraphrase, John 13:14-16). That was an incredible lesson they would not soon forget, later defining their philosophy of ministry (Heb. 13:7; Mat. 22:37-40).
• Care for Your Students: It would be regrettable if, after an entire year with you, they cannot recall your name. Bredfeldt (2006) suggests three ways to care for those you seek to influence: 1. Show concern – Be accessible to them. Listen to them. Help them feel a sense of belonging in your classroom. If possible, help them in their time of need or take the time to refer them to a solution. 2. Demonstrate confidence – Empower your students. Encourage them to achieve their potential. 3. Give them consent – It is said that one of the ways to learn is through failure. Empower them to take the plunge on those assignments or collaborations. Support their ideas and invite them to dream. Remove as many barriers as possible to their learning.

As you GO DEEPER in content preparation, keep in mind the goal.

Reference:

Used with permission. Bredfeldt, G. (2006). Great leader, great teacher: Recovering the biblical vision for leadership. Moody Publishers.

Written by Dr. Kevin Hall (07.06.2024).