Adult Bible Teachers as Co-learners

If, as noted in a previous post, adult learners desire collaboration in the Bible classroom or small group setting, then teachers of adults must see their role as co-learners in order to make it a place their students want to be.

Teachers of Adult Bible Classes who are Co-learners Cannot be Seen as:

• the answer person

Perhaps the teacher does know more about the Bible than the students but to come across as a “know-it-all” can stifle a collaborative atmosphere. This can happen because of the teacher’s attitude and approach. But, it can also occur when teachers are too quick to respond. Fearing silence, many teachers answer when students fail to speak up immediately. Silence following a question, however, is not a bad thing. Students sometimes need time to think. With an objective of learning together, students must be allowed and encouraged to engage in the process rather than always defaulting to the teacher for answers.

• spiritually superior

God does hold teachers to a greater level of accountability (James 3:1) but that does not make them superior. Prayerfully teachers are growing in their walk with the Lord but who they are depends on God’s grace. What they do in their teaching depends on God’s power. Teachers who view themselves higher than their students or who are perceived as such because of their position, stifle a collaborative atmosphere. Even if teachers are further along spiritually, they still can learn and grow, making them co-learners.

To be Co-learners in the Teaching-Learning Process, Adult Teachers Need the Following:

• the right attitude/heart qualities

When teachers understand that who they are and what they do is because of God’s grace and power, they will have the humility needed to be co-learners.

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Phil. 2:6-7)

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead … (Phil. 3:12-13)

• the right perspective/understanding

Teachers who truly believe we are all in this together, that it’s how God designed the Body to operate, will promote interdependence, not dependence on one person. They will value and respect the contribution of their students. They will consequently build into the lesson methods that allow for collaboration such as asking questions and discussion. The constant use of lecture says, “I have all the answers and I will tell you what you need to know.”

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Eph. 4:16)

As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” … should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. … Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Cor. 12:20-27)

More:  Teaching Bible to Adult Age Level Teacher Training Resources