Topic: Analysis of Jesus’ Example of Teaching and Learning
If we take the time to analyze the teaching style of Jesus as our Master Teacher,
we can gain some insights regarding His teaching style as well as His approach to
learning.
Considering the definition on learning, how did Jesus promote learning via
thinking and use teachable moments?
What biblical principles regarding teaching and learning can you apply in
your approach as an educator?
You must use information from the reading, reference it accordingly, and cite it
appropriately in current APA format.
In each of your replies to other students, be sure to respond and/or contribute to
the discussion. Contribute to meaningful discussion between you and your
classmates.
Submit your thread by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday and your replies by 11:59 p.m.
(ET) on Sunday.
Considering the definition on learning, how did Jesus promote learning via thinking and use
teachable moments?
“Learning Theories EDUC 500 by Slavin and Schunk states that” learning is “an enduring
change in behavior or in the capacity to behave in a given fashion, which results from practice or
other forms of experience” (Slavin & Schunk, 2017,p. 3).
In the Bible Jesus taught individuals, small groups, and large crowds, he used many parables to
promote learning and thinking. Parables are tools to compare something physical to something
spiritual and also illustrates one or more instructive lessons or principles. Jesus used these
parables for two main purposes: to explain truth to some and to keep truth hidden from others.
Jesus states “the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to
others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may
not understand’” (Luke 8:10, New International Version). In this way, the disciples received the
word and had to inquire the meaning of the parable thereby reflecting upon the teaching of Jesus.
Jesus recognized teachable moments wherever people were found, and he met them where they
were, rather than waiting for them to come to him. " Coming to his hometown he began to
teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed" (Matthew 13:54, New
International Bible). "Again Jesus began to teach by the lake" (Mark 4:1, New International
Bible). " When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they
were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things." (Mark 6:34, New
International Bible). Throughout the Bible Jesus used many of these parables to teach his people.
Most importantly during his lessons, he spoke with authority, used object lessons, repetition, and
storytelling to become the Great Master teacher.
What biblical principles regarding teaching and learning can you apply in your approach as an
educator?
Teachable moments are unplanned opportunities that occur in our everyday lives and are
prompted by certain events and actions. Jesus used the event of the multitudes gathering to teach
and share the spiritual truth to his listeners. Learning takes place in teachable moments because
students experience a connection between their world and the knowledge of the teacher. As an
educator, the biblical principles regarding teaching and learning that I can apply in my approach
with students are discussing faith as it applies to the lesson, asking effective questions, and
maintaining high expectations. Discussing faith in Christian schools is expected and welcomed
in the private school sector, but there are more limitations in the public school setting. In public
schools, any discussion regarding faith must relate directly to the lesson, and this usually gets
students to ask questions about faith and beliefs. If students question the teacher about their
personal faith, then the teacher is free to answer and share with students about their beliefs.
Asking effective questions is one of the most important skills a teacher can develop, questions
can engage students in the process of understanding the scriptures and help them identify and
understand important gospel truths. Questions also help students reflect upon how the gospel has
influenced their lives and to consider how they may apply gospel principles now and in the
future. When Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman at the well, He used questions to lead her
to explore the truth of His message (John 4:7–30). When He wanted to help the disciples
visualize His teaching, He led them to experience the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26–29; Mark
14:22–25; Luke 22:17–20).
References
Burden, P.R., & Byrd, D.M. (2016). Methods for effective teaching. United States of America:
Pearson Education, Inc.
Slavin, R.E., & Schunk, D.H. (2017). Learning theories: EDUC 500 (1st ed). Boston, MA:
Pearson.
Maintaining high expectations shows that teachers only want the best for their students and want
them to succeed. James 1:12 (New International Version) states, “Blessed is the one who
perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life
that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Students will put forth a solid effort when
the teacher says the work may be hard if the teacher expresses confidence that they can do it
(Burden & Byrd, 2016). Students who continuously work hard will succeed academically, as
well as learn that hard work does pay off. Teachers who maintain high expectations demonstrate
that they are concerned about their students and want them to learn and grow through their
challenges in the classroom, which is quite beneficial over a lifetime.
