[Teachldsseminary] QUESTION: Small class suggestions?

[sjagnana@mac.com]

Journal Idea....

Just to add a thought to this great idea.  In our stake we have a  
wealth of experienced teachers that I am blessed to draw experience  
from.  I will share a bit from them that I am giving a try this year  
as it has been extremely successful for them and I believe will  
accomplish the goal you are seeking as well.  With their student  
daily journals they make sure and leave a few moments at the end of  
class - most always these are prepared as a glue-in . They will use a  
quote or something that will support the lesson material ( usually a  
prophet or general authority) and then below that, they will give  
them a one sentence prompt... to encourage personal application.

If you are using the Search, analyze and apply:
Boyd K. Packer - "True doctrine understood changes attitude and  
behavior better than behavior changes behavior...."
This helps students clearly understand application...

Example Lesson:
Doctrine:   "The Scriptures are the Word of God"
Principle:     "If I Read Each Day with Faith Then I Will Receive  
Revelation"
Commandment:    "Read 10 Minutes each Day"


Included quotes would be above this sentence
Prompt:	" By reading HIS WORDS everyday in faith I can.......(student  
complete as spirit directs them)

You could also leave enough time on occasion to let them share their  
commitment with the person sitting next to them if not too personal.
They could also share the next morning with a partner.
Could also report to class next... again if not too personal.
I am sure you could come up with many ideas....

Of course it goes really without saying that the students need to be  
reassured that their journals are sacred and that they will NEVER be  
read by another student or you as the teacher.  They must be kept  
locked up.  Very important that they have this reassurance.

This is only one of the ways that journals are used.  They are a  
wonderful support for student learning and It would be so nice to  
hear from others what things they do with them to support their  
teaching in the class.

Well this was a little lengthy but I do think a valuable to in  
accomplishing the finishing work of teaching.  I know that those who  
have taught in our area for quite sometime find it to be one of their  
most powerful teaching tools.  Also a treasured keepsake at the end  
of the year for their seminary students.
Love,
Kathryn