We have a new question today, posed by a gospel doctrine teacher who wants to make sure she’s filling the needs of her students. Let’s hear what she has to say:
What do Meridian readers want or expect in and from their Sunday school classes? When they sit down in that classroom every Sunday, making the choice to attend and not skip it or go home, what is their hope, their heart’s desire? How can Sunday school teachers make their lessons and the scriptures more approachable, understandable and applicable to the attendees/learners?
I ask this at the start of every class, when I am the new teacher in the room and I write their answers on the board and in the front of my manual. But I wonder what other people, in other parts of the Church want — if it’s the same or different.
Currently, I am the Gospel Doctrine teacher in our ward, and I’ve been told repeatedly that I teach a good class. But, I wonder. I’m not one for object lessons or treats or gimmicks. We look at, read, and discuss the scriptures from the lesson, and I raise questions that have to do with applying the principle embodied in the lesson. We’re usually all over the standard works during our time together. I love it, but I wonder.
I never look at other writers’ suggestions for the lesson (sorry, Meridian), and rarely bring in outside resources. When I do, it usually has to do with information about the customs of the time or Hebrew/Greek word usage and definition, usually something to make what we’re discussing clearer and to put it in the context of the times.
More often than not, we end up with a lively discussion of gospel principles and their application in our lives. Attendance has increased, discussions are lively, and, as no one is wrong in my classroom, more and more of the entire class is participating.
Anyway, I was just wondering how the people outside of our pressure cooker area yearn when they’re in Sunday school classes. Are teachers rising to the occasion and meeting their hopes and expectations or not? How can teachers do better?
Feedback Wanted
Okay, readers, the floor is yours. If you’ve ever wanted more from your gospel doctrine classes, now is the time to say something. Do not under any circumstances use the “feedback” form on this page! Send your letters toMe**************@*ol.com, with something in the subject line to indicate that your letter isn’t spam. Remember, Feedback Wanted wants your feedback! Let her know what would make you happy as a gospel doctrine student!
Until next time — Kathy
“The problem with quotes on the internet is that it’s difficult to determine whether or not they are genuine.”
Abraham Lincoln
