EFFECTIVE SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHING by Terry Messenger

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EFFECTIVE SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHINGby Terry
Messenger
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There is a heavy responsibility for souls
upon the teacher and he/she is accountable to God
for communicating spiritual truths to the
class(Adapted from Harry W. Lowe, Handbook for
Sabbath School Teachers).
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The teacher may teach a little by what he
says he teaches more by what he does. But most
by what he is
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Teachers are needed who with enthusiasm
combine true dignitywho can inspire thought,
arouse energy, and impart courage and
life.(Counsels on Sabbath School Work, EGW)
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At the end of a Sabbath School lesson, the
class members should be refreshed, having been
in the presence of God and leave with a hunger
for God.
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Prayer

• The prayer life of a teacher should concentrate
  on three areas
• 1. Self. For a daily infilling of the Holy
  Spirit. He/She should have a passion for God, be
  sensitive to the Holy spirit and submissive to
  His leading.

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Prayer

• 2. Divine wisdom to understand the Bible, to
  meditate and present it with clarity.
• 3. Class members need prayer for personal
  challenges that are known and for Gods plan to
  be fulfilled in their lives.

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A Good Teacher

• 1. Inspires students to think for themselves and
  to express their own ideas sincerely
• 2. Is emotionally stable and mature
• 3. Has an infectious enthusiasm for teaching
  that inspires students to want to teach
• 4. Is friendly, democratic, tolerant and helpful

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A Good Teacher

• 5. Understands the problems most often met by
  students in their work
• 6. Organizes materials and prepares carefully
  for each class meeting
• 7. Regards himself as primarily a teacher,
  rather than a subject-matter specialist
• 8. Leads his students to take responsibility and
  checks their progress

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A Good Teacher

• 9. His behaviour reflects Christian ideals.

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Preparation

• There should be preparation of
• 1. Lesson Study
• 2. Resources

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Lesson Study

• The teacher needs to be disciplined and
  committed by deciding how much time is required
  for lesson preparation, then organise their time
  accordingly.

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Lesson Study

• The teacher should view the whole quarters
  lessons in advance to get an overview.

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Lesson Study

• The teacher should start to prepare the lesson
  a week ahead by looking at the complete week to
  get the big picture.

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Lesson Study

• Read study helps and the recommended scripture
  passages at one time to ensure a better
  understanding.

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Lesson Study

• Questions asked should be as original as
  possible. Do not repeat the questions used in
  the quarterly word for word.

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Resources

• The teacher should have a range of resources to
  illustrate/assist with the understanding of the
  lesson.

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Examples

• 1. Main study Bible
• 2. Other translations
• 3. A Bible Concordance
• 4. Spirit of Prophecy Writings
• 5. The teaching aids for Adult Sabbath School
• 6. The SDA Bible Commentary

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Examples

• 7. A Bible Atlas
• 8. A Bible Dictionary
• 9. Audio visuals if possible

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Planning

• It is wise to have a written lesson plan.
• For example
• Aim
• Outcome
• Introduction
• Lesson Activities
• Application
• Summary

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Learning Styles

• Realise that people have different learning
  styles
• 1. Visual
• 2. Auditory
• 3. Tactile/Kinaesthetic

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Teaching

• Good teaching methods include
• 1. The use of open-ended questions
• 2. Facilitate discussion
• 3. Dont slavishly follow quarterly. It is
  better to focus on one major point
• 4. Have clear purpose in mind