REword2017

BOOK REVIEW OF “THE SEVEN LAWS OF THE LEARNER: HOW TO TEACH ALMOST ANYTHING TO PRACTICALLY ANYONE” BY BRUCE WILKINSON

RLGN 330

Summary

As a student, and even now as an adult learner, I have often wondered why some of the teachers that I have encountered left a great impression upon my learning. But on the other hand, I have encountered some teachers that did not leave a great impression. And as a result, my learning experience was not achieved. In the book, The Seven Laws of the Learner by Bruce Wilkinson, he talks about different methods that can be used to help students to become “Master teachers”. As a matter of fact, he begins by stating that “Although this book frequently discusses the content, it primarily focuses upon what the teacher does to teach that content to the student.”[footnoteRef:1] Furthermore, he adds that one point in his teaching career, he was “Tragically misdirected”[footnoteRef:2] and that this book was developed “as a result of ten years of repentance.”[footnoteRef:3] Also in developing his book, Wilkinson used Biblical references and gleaned from other experienced Master Teachers. [1: Wilkinson, B. (1992). The Seven Laws of the Learner. Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books. Pg. 5. ] [2: Ibid., 5.] [3: Ibid., 5.]

One of the major topics that Wilkinson discussed in his book is that “the teacher is responsible to cause them to know the material”.[footnoteRef:4] Wilkinson believes that the teacher should have the ability and confidence to reach each and every student that he or she teaches. Even though there are different needs and learning abilities for each student, Wilkinson feels and believes that the teacher should always be effective with each and every student that he or she may teach. [4: Ibid., 22.]

In the book, Wilkinson puts a very high expectation on the teachers. One of those expectations are that the teacher should be able to motivate each and every student to be able to learn. He discusses in his book the way that this can be accomplished is by the teacher presenting the lesson in a way that that is relatable to the lifestyle of the student. Wilkinson states that “We are charged by God with taking the Bible and applying it to the life of the believer so that he changes and becomes more complete and more equipped.”[footnoteRef:5] [5: Wilkinson, B. (1992). The Seven Laws of the Learner. Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books. Pg. 141.]

Another expectation Wilkinson discusses in his book is that the teacher must reassure the student what is expected of them and what is expected of them in order for the student to learn. In the same fashion, he states, “The Bible reveals that teachers are given by God primarily to equip and not merely to explain.”[footnoteRef:6] Ephesians 4:11-12 (KJV) also states that “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” So as teachers are reassuring the student what is expected of them to learn, the teacher is equipping the student to be an effective learner. [6: Ibid., 350.]

Overall, The Seven Laws of the Learner talks about the seven basic foundations for effective teaching. In Addition, The Seven Laws of the Learner can be effective for anyone who is teaching and wants to know how to effectively communicate. This can apply to pastors, parents, employers, and spouses. I believe that this book will also give a person the desire to want to learn more.

Section Word Count: 566

Critique

Although Wilkinson puts high expectations on the teacher to reassure that the student understands what is expected of them and what is expected of them in order for the student to learn, I believe and will add that the student has to have a desire to want to learn. Even if the lesson is presented in a manner that will be relatable to the student, I believe the student has to have a desire to want to learn the lesson also. Proverb 1:5 (KJV) states, “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” Identically, Proverb 1:7 (KJV) states that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” In this case where the student does not have desire to learn, the statement, “charity begins at home” must and can be applied here. This is where the teacher and the parent can collaborate together to motivate the student to have the desire to learn. Parents are the first teachers that we, and students do learn from. The parent can add encouragement and support. I must say that the concept that “Wilkinson parents used while he was a student, to help him get motivated by letting him use the car if he kept his grades up”[footnoteRef:7] is an excellent motivator. A parent/teacher relationship is a very powerful and effective method in helping the student to become motivated and having a desire to learn. Proverb 22:6 (KJV) instructs us to “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” [7: Wilkinson, B. (1992). The Seven Laws of the Learner. Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books. pg. 137. 8 Ibid., 147. ]

Wilkinson also talks about application in his book. This is one of his strongest points in his book. Wilkinson states that “Since the Bible was given by God for the purpose of application, the person who teaches it must honor and fulfill that same purpose.”[footnoteRef:8] I believe that it is important that the lesson the student learns from the lesson that is taught, they can take the lesson and apply it into their lives. Most importantly, the teacher must give the student examples, even if it is a personal example so that the student can apply the lesson to their lives. [8: ]

Another strong point and I believe is the best one from his book is equipping. Anytime Jesus was teaching in the Bible, he was equipping the people to the task that was assigned. As mentioned above, Ephesians 4:11-12 (KJV) states, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Teachers are expected to equip students so that they can effectively carry out the task and assignment at hand. Teachers who fully comprehend this concept are a gift and a great resource to the Lord. Wilkinson states from his book that teachers “skillfully guide their students from being spectators to becoming learners to becoming teachers and eventually becoming equippers of other teachers”[footnoteRef:9] It is such a blessing when a teacher can inspire others and equip the students in the right manner so that this will enable them to want to go and spread and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. [9: Wilkinson, B. (1992). The Seven Laws of the Learner. Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books. ]

Overall, The Seven Laws of the Learner has some excellent concepts. Even though there is one concept that needs to be modified in my opinion, Wilkinson book give good insights on how to become a more effective teacher. Using his seven laws can help you to become a better teacher. And yes, the teacher can cause the student to learn. This is an excellent and resourceful book.

Section Word Count: 649

Application

In learning how to be an effective teacher/minister, this book has given me new insights and methods that I can apply. One of those concepts is the thought of application. As I stated in the beginning of this review, I have often wondered why some of the teachers that I have encountered left a great impression upon my learning. But on the other hand, I have encountered some teachers that did not leave a great impression. And as a result, my learning experience was not achieved. In reading this book the impression upon my learning experience was because the teacher did not use the proper concept of application. By using my life examples and experiences in my teaching, it will bring more interest to the student. Therefore, this will “cause them to learn” and to apply the teaching to their lives. By allowing myself to be open in my teaching, and not just reading the material to the students, but making it personal will most definitely enhance the learning experience. Additionally, the concept of application will motivate the students to look for ways in their lives to apply the material to what they have learned.

Another concept that I will apply and I know that I will enjoy is the equipping process. In working as a Minister of Music at my Church, this is one of the process that I feel is most important. By working on ways to equip the students to go out and teach themselves, I am doing the work of the Lord. Jesus gave us our highest calling in Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV), which states, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” It is my responsibility as a teacher to teach others how to spread that message and equipping them with the tools they will need. In equipping students with the tools that they need will prepare them as teachers for the next generation, spreading the message of the Gospel to all people.

Another way I can apply what I have learned from Wilkinson book is to make sure that my students know what is expected of them. Teachers are valuable to God. Also, God has put a high expectation on teachers. Therefore, being valued by God, and Him having a high expectation of me, it is my responsibly to ensure that my students know what is expected of them in order for them to know what to do with the lesson that is to be learned. In ensuring that my students know what is expected of them, I do not want to overwhelm the student by the expectation being too high or too low. I want to make sure that I am meeting the student where they are in order for the student to understand the expectation of the lesson to be learned. Equally important, I want my students to know that I believe in them and will motivate them when they feel that their expectation is a little difficult. I want my students to learn and excel.

In all things considered, The Seven Laws of the Learner by Bruce Wilkinson can be applied to my daily living as a Mother, Teacher, Minister, or Minister of Music. Even though I believe there is one concept that can be modified, there are a lot of concepts and information that I can take and enhance my teaching abilities. Also, in taking these great concepts and sharing them with other students, I am motivating, equipping, and inspiring my students to go out into a world and share the good news of Jesus Christ. In reading this book, I know that I will become a better teacher.

Section Word Count: 649

Total Word Count: 1864

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Wilkinson, B. (1992). The Seven Laws of the Learner. Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books.