Teaching: We Learn through Experience

All learning takes occurs through our senses. We learn by seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, and tasting. The more senses in use while learning, the more likely real change will occur. So, since learning comes through our five senses we can see that learning comes through experience.

Experiences come in two varieties. The first and more power kind of experience is direct experience. Direct experience includes real life events (like telling your testimony to a perfect stranger) and in made-up experiences (like participating in a role-play about sharing one’s faith). Other kinds of experience are indirect. One example of indirect experience is watching a video of a believer giving her testimony. Another example of indirect experience includes reading and hearing, such as reading about how to share one’s faith.

The level of experience is important in learning for several reasons. One, the more direct the learning experience is, the greater the learning will likely be. Therefore, we should plan as many direct experiences as possible. Two, the problem with direct experience is that it is difficult to bring real life experiences into the classroom or small group place. And, many real life experiences can include danger and risk, so planning for real life experiences can sometimes be dicey. Three, the less direct the learning experience is, the less likely deep learning and lasting change can occur. Can you see the difference that can happen in learning from a mission trip and learning from a hearing a lesson about missions?

So how can we use experience in learning in small groups? Fortunately, adults come to Bible study with a wealth of real life experience upon which they can call. The wise use of discussion questions, meaningful illustrations, and the use of engaging story can help adults recall life experiences related to the Bible study. Therefore, an effective Bible study leader takes the time to learn as much as he or she can about the learners in the group. Such information enables powerful planning prior to the session and meaningful experiences in the session.

Scripture:

            Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.
            If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 ESV

Prayer:

Pray that God will help you engage learners in your group in conversation so you can learn more about the experiences they bring to Bible study.
 
Dig Deeper:
Read Design for Teaching and Training by LeRoy Ford.

Praying: More than Requests

When we pray in our small Bible study groups, our usual prayers deal with interceding for the needs of others. We often bring before God the needs of our families and friends. This is all good. We should unite in prayer for our needs and the needs of others. But, if that is the only “group” prayer that the small group uses, then your Bible study members may not develop skills in other kinds of prayers: thanksgiving, praise, and confession. Short prayers are fine, too, but again, sometimes we need to spend extended times in prayer. We will seldom be successful without being taught such skills. The Bible study might not be about prayer but the way we lead and participate in prayer in our groups teaches our groups how to pray. Let’s consider praise.

What would prayers of praise sound like? Praise has the basic purpose of bringing glory to God. Praise and thanksgiving are similar but praise adores God for who He is while thanksgiving expresses gratitude to God for what He does. Praise is often more difficult to do because we do not frequently rehearse who God is. Praise helps us verbalize God’s identity and know Him better.

Why should we praise God? He is worthy of praise. Our praise is our gift and our sacrifice to God. God’s purpose for us is to praise Him. He commands us to bring Him praise. When we praise God, we follow Jesus’ example. Praising God now prepares us for life in heaven, endlessly praising God.

How should we praise God? Use your own natural words that express honor and greatness to God. Use Bible prayers and pray them to God as your own. Paul told us to use psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to praise God. We can play musical instruments to praise God. We can rehearse all the great things He has done in history and in our own lives.

What can we say when we praise God? Read scripture to God, agreeing with the writers and using the words as our own expressions. Use words that express praise: worship, praise, exalt, lift up, honor, magnify, bless, and more. Exclaim God’s greatness with shouts like “Hallelujah!” or “Hosanna!” or “Praise God!”

We teach, not only with the lesson we prepare but by everything we say and do in our Bible study groups. We can teach the wonderful opportunity of prayer every time we gather.

Scripture:
Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones,
        ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
        worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
                                              Psalm 29:1-2 ESV

Prayer:
Ask God to show teach you the art of praising Him so you can teach others.

Dig Deeper:
Much of today’s material came from the study helps in “Life Helps” in The Disciple’s Study Bible. Study Bibles are helpful tools for the Bible study leader. Consider adding one to your personal library.