Principles of Good Teaching

Essential Principles to Good Teaching

What every teacher needs to know and do.

SHOW LOVE

“Teachers and leaders show love and sincere concern for those they teach. They learn class members’ names. They review attendance information so they can be aware of class members who are not attending regularly. They may contact those outside of class to encourage them in their participation.” (Handbook 2, Administering the Church 2010, 31)

“When we are called to teach, we should accept our calling and teach because of our love for God and the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. In addition, a gospel teacher should always teach with love for the students…Love of God and love of His children is the highest reason for service.” (Dallin H Oaks, Gospel Teaching, Ensign, November 1999, 78)

TEACH FROM THE SCRIPTURES

Words of doctrine have great power.

“You shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom… that ye may be prepared in all things.” (D&C 88:77, 80)

“And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just – yea, it had … more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them – therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.” (Alma 31:5)

“Teachers and leaders use the scriptures, the teachings of latter-day prophets, and approved curriculum materials to teach and testify of the doctrines of the gospel. Approved curriculum materials for each class or quorum are listed in the current Instructions for Curriculum. As needed, teachers and leaders su0plement curriculum materials with Church magazines, particularly the general conference issues of the Ensign.” (Handbook 2, Administering the Church 2010, 31)

“The fundamental curriculum for all classes in the Church is the scriptures – they contain the unchanging doctrines of the kingdom of God. These truths are what brought us into the Church.” (Virginia H Pearce, The Ordinary Classroom – a Powerful Place for Steady and Continued Growth, Ensign, November 1996)

“The word of God is the doctrine taught by Jesus Christ and by His prophets… Words of doctrine have great power. They can open the minds of people to see spiritual things not visible to the natural eye. And they can open the heart to feelings of the love of God and love for truth.” (Henry B Eyring, The Power of Teaching Doctrine, Ensign, May 1999, 73)

“Truth can prepare its own way. Simply hearing the words of doctrine can plant the seed of faith in the heart. And even a tiny seed of faith in Jesus Christ invites the Spirit.” (Henry B Eyring, The Power of Teaching Doctrine, Ensign, May 1999, 73)

“Your chief interest, your essential and all but sole duty, is to teach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as that has been revealed in these latter days. You are to teach this gospel, using as your sources and authorities the standard works of the Church and the words of those whom God has called to lead His people in these last days.” (J Reuben Clark, Jr., Teaching the Gospel, A Handbook for CES Teachers, 4)

“Part of the charge to teach the gospel is to teach only those principles and doctrines that are in harmony with what the scriptures and the Brethren teach.” (Teaching the Gospel, A Handbook for CES Teachers, 4)

RECOMMENDED READING:

Teaching No Greater Call Chapters 10-12

TESTIFY OFTEN

“The crowning, convincing, converting power of gospel teaching is manifest, when an inspired teacher says, ‘I know by the power of the Holy Ghost, by the revelations of the Holy Spirit to my soul , that the doctrines I have taught are true.” (Bruce R McConkie, The Promised Messiah, 516-17)

As you conclude with a testimony you may wish to begin with “While you are thinking about this during the week…” and then proceed to bear your testimony of what you have taught. (Boyd K Packer, Teach Ye Diligently, 169)

“We hope teachers and students will also amply testify during the classroom period of the blessings and truths that the Lord has bestowed upon them. We hope, too, that they will express love for the Lord and for one another and share, when appropriate, their experiences in applying the gospel principles under study. Sharing expressions of appreciation as well as experiences in living the gospel are important ways we open our hearts to the Spirit.” (Gene R Cook, Teaching by the Spirit, Ensign, Jan 1989)