To What Extent Is It Appropriate To Go Off Message In Gospel Doctrine Class

[Stone holm]

If a class appears to go off message during the scheduled indoctrination for the week, is it appropriate to join in? If something said in class causes a person to make a comment, or ask a question which is not in the prescribed lesson for the week, should we be concerned. At what level of doctrinal literacy should we presume everyone in the Gospel Doctrine is at when deciding whether to comment? Should we assume that everyone in the class is an investigator with virtually zero inkling of doctrine and history, should we presume literacy level at say the 3rd Grade, or is that too high?

[Duncan]

teach the student rather then the lesson, if someone brings up something and it seems to be a hit then run with it

[Kenngo1969]

When guided by the Spirit.  Sure, no problem.  Thanks for asking!

[Scott Lloyd]

It is the teacher's prerogative, acting under inspiration from God, to determine when a comment is off point and whether or not it is appropriate to enlarge upon the comment with further discussion or to tactfully direct the discussion back to the point of the lesson, depending upon how the teacher perceives the needs of the students.

 

If the teacher abuses or misapplies that prerogative, it is up to the bishop or branch president to correct -- or even to release -- the teacher as may be necessary in a given instance.

[Scott Lloyd]

When guided by the Spirit.  Sure, no problem.  Thanks for asking!

It always seems to come back to that, doesn't it?

[Stone holm]

teach the student rather then the lesson, if someone brings up something and it seems to be a hit then run with it

What if the hit is over the heads of say 25% of the class?

[Stone holm]

It is the teacher's prerogative, acting under inspiration from God, to determine when a comment is off point and whether or not it is appropriate to enlarge upon the comment with further discussion or to tactfully direct the discussion back to the point of the lesson, depending upon how the teacher perceives the needs of the students.

 

If the teacher abuses or misapplies that prerogative, it is up to the bishop or branch president to correct -- or even to release -- the teacher as may be necessary in a given instance.

Does the teacher then go with the most needy of the students (meaning those who barely understand the Gospel)?

[Kenngo1969]

It always seems to come back to that, doesn't it?

Inexplicably.

[Stone holm]

It always seems to come back to that, doesn't it?

I remember reading somewhere, no memory of where, a GA stating there was no such thing as academic freedom when it came to teaching classes in Church. Now, unless I am completely delusional (which is always a possibility) that leaves very little wiggle room for going astray from the indoctrination scheduled for that Sunday.

[The Nehor]

What if the hit is over the heads of say 25% of the class?

That means that 25% of the class is playing with an electronic device or asleep. Just try not to be too loud and carry on.

[Scott Lloyd]

Does the teacher then go with the most needy of the students (meaning those who barely understand the Gospel)?

As I said with emphasis, the teacher acts under inspiration from God. The scriptures assure us that it will be given to us in the very moment as needed what we should say in teaching situations.

Edited February 21, 2014 by Scott Lloyd

[Scott Lloyd]

I remember reading somewhere, no memory of where, a GA stating there was no such thing as academic freedom when it came to teaching classes in Church. Now, unless I am completely delusional (which is always a possibility) that leaves very little wiggle room for going astray from the indoctrination scheduled for that Sunday.

There may not be "academic freedom" in the sense that you apply it here, but there is leeway for the teacher to act in a classroom setting as guided by the Holy Spirit.

 

I interview the Sunday School general presidency at least yearly for published articles that I write, and they have emphasized this to me again and again.

[Paddy]

There are options. Sometimes I have said it will be covered in another lesson, sometimes I stop the lesson and answer or ask the class to help answer, sometimes I tell them it is off topic and I will discuss it with them after class, sometimes I give a short answer and ask them to see me after class for a longer explanation, etc.

It depends on who is asking. What the perceived intent of the question is. The relevance to the class, etc.

All these things factor into how to direct class discussion. It is one of the main reasons I love teaching the gospel so much.

Paddy

[Scott Lloyd]

There are options. Sometimes I have said it will be covered in another lesson, sometimes I stop the lesson and answer or ask the class to help answer, sometimes I tell them it is off topic and I will discuss it with them after class, sometimes I give a short answer and ask them to see me after class for a longer explanation, etc.

It depends on who is asking. What the perceived intent of the question is. The relevance to the class, etc.

All these things factor into how to direct class discussion. It is one of the main reasons I love teaching the gospel so much.

Paddy

And, not trying to put words in your mouth, I would guess that your choice of options is guided by divine inspiration.

Edited February 21, 2014 by Scott Lloyd

[Scott Lloyd]

Here's a hymn we don't sing nearly often enough in Church, in my opinion.

 

It seems to have application to this thread topic.

[Kenngo1969]

Here's a hymn we don't sing nearly often enough in Church, in my opinion.

 

It seems to have application to this thread topic.

I didn't look.  By any chance, is it "Let The Holy Spirit Guide"?

[Paddy]

And, not trying to put words in your mouth, I would guess that your choice of options is guided by divine inspiration.

To the extent that I feel the inspiration. Yes that is correct. Sometimes you can make sound judgements based on the preparation you put in prior to class time. Which I guess is a part of the inspiration process.

Also there is another option and that is "I don't have an answer for that. How about I come around during the week and we can spend some time working it out". I get a bit tough with my class. I refuse to allow them to ask a question expecting only me to put in the effort to find out an answer!!

[Scott Lloyd]

To the extent that I feel the inspiration. Yes that is correct. Sometimes you can make sound judgements based on the preparation you put in prior to class time. Which I guess is a part of the inspiration process.

Also there is another option and that is "I don't have an answer for that. How about I come around during the week and we can spend some time working it out". I get a bit tough with my class. I refuse to allow them to ask a question expecting only me to put in the effort to find out an answer!!

Good for you!

 

And, as you have implied here, I suspect most of us are guided by inspiration to a greater extent than we realize.

[ERayR]

If a class appears to go off message during the scheduled indoctrination for the week, is it appropriate to join in? If something said in class causes a person to make a comment, or ask a question which is not in the prescribed lesson for the week, should we be concerned. At what level of doctrinal literacy should we presume everyone in the Gospel Doctrine is at when deciding whether to comment? Should we assume that everyone in the class is an investigator with virtually zero inkling of doctrine and history, should we presume literacy level at say the 3rd Grade, or is that too high?

 

Just make sure it is doctrine that you are teaching and not Stone Holm.

[Scott Lloyd]

I didn't look.  By any chance, is it "Let The Holy Spirit Guide"?

No, but that's a good one too.

 

The one I cited has direct application to teaching with inspiration. The title is "Help Me Teach with Inspiration."

Edited February 21, 2014 by Scott Lloyd

[Paddy]

And, as you have implied here, I suspect most of us are guided by inspiration to a greater extent than we realize.

Fundamentally I don't think you can properly teach the gospel without at least attempting to seek inspiration. This also applies to answering left field questions from class members.

Edited February 21, 2014 by Paddy

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

If a class appears to go off message during the scheduled indoctrination for the week, is it appropriate to join in? If something said in class causes a person to make a comment, or ask a question which is not in the prescribed lesson for the week, should we be concerned. At what level of doctrinal literacy should we presume everyone in the Gospel Doctrine is at when deciding whether to comment? Should we assume that everyone in the class is an investigator with virtually zero inkling of doctrine and history, should we presume literacy level at say the 3rd Grade, or is that too high?

It is the role of the teacher to deal with these types of issues...and you have got to know, your comment of "indoctrination" is like using the word "brainwashing" and is offensive to many. The only problem I see, is some have little faith in the one called to teach, thinking that it should be them instead.

[strappinglad]

Paddy's multilevel approach is excellent. A novice under the influence of the Holy Ghost is going to gain more spiritual knowledge than a lauded professor leaning on the arm of the flesh.

For Stone Holm , did you hear the story about the roof?...no? ... that's OK , it was probably over your head anyway. If you think you know more than the rest of your class, keep that knowledge to yourself.

[Mystery Meat]

I have often had teaching callings in one role or another and I used to try and jazz my lessons up a bit with some obscure but profound quote or some interesting point that I had thought up. I guess for me Church was becoming stale (not another lesson on missionary work...or faith...or repentence...or....etc.). However, I am now of the opinion, that we will never know all there is to know about any one of these topics. We might think we do, but all that does is make us unteachable. The Lord doesn't  need us to jazz up the scriptures with the doctrines of men. 

 

In my not so humble view the best way to teach is to have a plan to stick to the manual. As you prepare for the lesson each week venture outside of the manual in personal study to prepare your mind. When the time for teaching comes go into it with the manual in mind, but be ready to respond to the Spirit. When I teach I am not teaching to those who are there because it is what LDS folks do, I am there to teach to those who are trying to become LDS, which I fear is not a high percentage most Sundays.

 

I avoid teaching pet topics like my views on the controversial issues of the day and if there is anything I disagree with the men we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators I NEVER, EVER teach it (like my absolute disdain for Boy Scouts and how I believe it is founded by the devil....I am only slightly joking). The "truth" behind Church history can be taught in an appropriate setting. Gospel Doctrine class is not one of those times.

[flameburns623]

Here's a hymn we don't sing nearly often enough in Church, in my opinion. It seems to have application to this thread topic.

Your link doesn't allow me to listen and read the lyrics simultaneously.

Darnit!

Edited February 21, 2014 by flameburns623