TLC #8: Time Management

Each Sunday this summer I will be posting a discussion-based teaching strategy that can be used at church (such as in LDS teacher councils) or school. Hope a few readers find these helpful! Read earlier strategies by clicking on the linked label at the end of this post.

Strategy #8: Time Management

Time is always a factor in group discussions. More often than not time seems to run short. A good discussion leader will keep the class moving and focused. It may be helpful to include guidelines for time in the discussion plan (e.g., plan to spend five minutes discussing topic A, then 15 minutes on topic B). However, don’t let your desire to finish a discussion plan get in the way of learning or the Spirit. #TeachLeadCollaborate

TLC #7: Philosophical Stations

Each Sunday this summer I will be posting a discussion-based teaching strategy that can be used at church (such as in LDS teacher councils) or school. Hope a few readers find these helpful! Read earlier strategies by clicking on the linked label at the end of this post.

Strategy #7: Philosophical Stations

This discussion generating strategy involves looking at an issue from different philosophical stands. After reviewing the issue generally, divide the class in half. Assign one point of view to half of the group, and the opposing point of view to the other half. Ask each half of the room to articulate the philosophical stance of their assigned point of view, with the use of supporting scriptures/evidence. Can also be used with point of view of individuals (i.e., Abinadi vs. King Noah). #TeachLeadCollaborate

TLC #6: "The Heart of the Matter"

Each Sunday this summer I will be posting a discussion-based teaching strategy that can be used at church (such as in LDS teacher councils) or school. Hope a few readers find these helpful! Read earlier strategies by clicking on the linked label at the end of this post.

TLC #6: "The Heart of the Matter"

Use this phrase as a bridge to help get group members back on topic. If you have had several people share personal experiences, jump in (ignoring other raised hands) and say, "Thank you for being willing to share your experiences. Listening to these experiences helps us to focus on the heart of the matter, namely [insert gospel principle]." Then redirect by having someone read a scripture or quote, followed by discussing the doctrine. #TeachLeadCollaborate

TLC #5: Turn and Talk

Each Sunday this summer I will be posting a discussion-based teaching strategy that can be used at church (such as in LDS teacher councils) or school. Hope a few readers find these helpful! Read earlier strategies by clicking on the linked label at the end of this post.

Strategy #5: Turn and Talk

Turn and Talk is a strategy teachers use to ensure student engagement across the classroom, while minimizing the participation of those who overshare. After a few minutes of instruction, invite students to discuss lesson concepts, or respond to specific questions, by turning to their neighbor and talking with each other. Allow enough time for conversation so both can share their thoughts. The teacher then asks a few groups to share with the class what they discussed. #teachleadcollaborate

TLC Strategy #4: Mirror Class Member Behavior

Each Sunday this summer I will be posting a discussion-based teaching strategy that can be used at church (such as in LDS teacher councils) or school. Hope a few readers find these helpful! Read earlier strategies by clicking on the linked label at the end of this post.

Strategy #4: Mirror Class Member Behavior

A powerful method to build rapport is to match and mirror the behavior of those in the group. This includes a variety of behaviors, such as tone of voice, facial expressions, formality of body posture, and eye contact. By assuming the behaviors and attitudes of those being taught, discussion leaders show they are listening and present. On a psychological level the class members feel a sense of acceptance and recognition. #teachleadcollaborate

TLC Strategy #3: Series of 3 Questions

Each Sunday this summer I will be posting a discussion-based teaching strategy that can be used at church (such as in LDS teacher councils) or school. Hope a few readers find these helpful! Read Strategy #1 here and Strategy #2 here.

Strategy #3: Series of 3 Questions

"To help class members discuss how a gospel concept relates to their lives, you can ask three different types of questions in a series:
"1. A fact question: 'Whom does the Lord require us to forgive?'
"2. An application question: 'How does forgiving someone affect us?'
"3. An experience question: 'What is a positive experience you have had with forgiving someone?'” (President Monson, Ensign, April 2010)
#teachleadcollaborate

TLC Strategy #2: Balancing Participation

Each Sunday this summer I will be posting a discussion-based teaching strategy that can be used at church (such as in LDS teacher councils) or school. Hope a few readers find these helpful! Read Strategy #1 here.

Strategy #2: Balancing Participation

You must be prepared to be bossy (in a nice way) if you want to stay on point all of the time. Strive to encourage quiet/shy people to participate and tell those “over-enthusiastic” people to pipe down. Of course, we need to do this in a way that doesn’t appear to single-out anyone and offend them ("I love what you have to say--I just wish we had more time." or "Thank you for sharing. Let's hear what others think.") Balance participation by asking, “Who else has something to say?” or “I would like to hear more from this side of the room.” #teachleadcollaborate

TLC Strategy #1: Warm-Ups

Each Sunday this summer I will be posting a discussion-based teaching strategy that can be used at church or school. Hope a few readers find these helpful!

Strategy #1: Warm-Ups
Word, imagery, and personification associations are a fun way to get people talking at the beginning of class. The discussion leader uses a set of pictures or phrases and asks the class members to choose which one they think best describes or relates to the topic at hand. Go around the room and let individuals share. Follow-up questions on how the choice of association relates can give further insight to thoughts and feelings. Works well as an attention-getter and to get feedback from individuals. Can also be done with class members placed in teams or small groups.