Micro-Training # 16

Illustrate

The Savior asked questions that invited learners to think and feel deeply about the truths He taught. Our questions can similarly inspire learners to ponder gospel truths and find ways to apply them in their lives. An inspired question is an invitation to learners to discover gospel truths on their own and to evaluate their understanding of and commitment to those truths. Inspired questions can make learning the gospel a more engaging and personally meaningful experience.

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. Asking effective questions can encourage students to invite the Holy Ghost into their learning experience through exercising their agency and fulfilling their role in the learning process.

It is worth great effort to carefully craft questions during lesson preparation that will lead to understanding and engage the minds and hearts of the students as they learn. When planning questions, you should first determine the purpose for which you are asking a particular question (for example, you may desire to have students discover information within a scriptural passage, to think about the meaning of a passage, or to share testimony of the truthfulness of a principle). You should then thoughtfully design the question with that purpose in mind. A few carefully chosen words can make a great difference in whether or not a question results in the desired outcome.

Meaningful class discussions play a vital role in gospel teaching and learning. A class discussion occurs as you verbally interact with students and students verbally interact with each other in a manner that fosters learning. A good discussion can help students learn the significance of seeking answers to important questions and the value of listening to and learning from the comments, ideas, and experiences of others. It can also help students maintain a level of concentration and participation in class that often results in a deeper understanding of the doctrine and principles of the gospel being discussed, as well as a more genuine desire in their hearts to apply the things they learn and feel.

Make sure you understand the students’ answers by asking questions like “Can you help me understand what you mean by that?” or “Can you give me an example of what you mean?” Asking such follow-up questions will often invite a student to share more of what they are thinking and feeling and frequently invites a spirit of testimony in the response.

Each individual in your class is a rich source of testimony, insights, and experiences with living the gospel. Invite them to share with and lift each other. By observing and listening carefully to students, you can discern their needs and guide the discussion under the direction of the Holy Ghost.

As you lead discussions, let the Holy Ghost guide you. Make sure that discussions are always positive and uplifting. Do not end an inspiring discussion too soon in order to cover all the lesson material, especially if you perceive that the discussion is meaningful to those you are teaching.

Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught:

Watch the video below. Then consider the importance of asking inspired questions as you teach your students.

Invitation to act

I invite you to prepare well the inspired questions that you will ask your students during your next lesson. Consider the Savior's example as you prepare. Then share the fruits of your labor with other teachers, or better yet, share your classroom experience.

To practice your skills on this subject, you can do the following exercises:

• Skill: Create student self-evaluations about a doctrine, truth, or principle.

• Skill: Use sacred music. Invite students to identify lines and phrases in sacred music that connect with the truths they are learning.