Master Teaching Continues

     We are learning so much about the human brain with the use of imaging techniques.  As discussed in previous blogs, as a result of this new information, we are better able to understand how the brain gets and retains new information.  Since I consider Jesus Christ to be the Master Teacher of Master Teachers, I have been exploring the idea that we should not be surprised that what we are learning to be effective means of teaching according to research were the strategies that He used when He taught since after all the Creator of the brain should understand it best.  Last blog talked about looking for similarities and hooking new information to something we already understand.  The next strategy is note taking and summarizing.

     I do not know if the image of Jesus and His disciples walking around with notepads and pencils is humorous to you, but it is to me. 

However, the idea of taking note of important ideas does seem to be a part of what He did.  For instance, on more than one occasion, He would call the disciples together after a day of service, and go over the events of the day.  Sometimes He would explain what He meant in some of His teachings. In other words, He summarized the lessons for them.  How rich those discussions must have been as the disciples had the opportunity to put it all together with Him. 
     We have the same opportunity to share with our students.  Often teachers at the end of a class will take time to review what has been learned in class. They will highlight the important learning points or have the class highlight them.  That sounds like summarization to me. We have much of Jesus' teaching because someone took the time to write it down for us. 

Master Teaching Part 2

     Master teaching refers to expert teaching.  As far as I am concerned, we have a superb example of Master Teaching and it is from the Master himself-- Jesus Christ.  Last post, I listed the nine most effective ways of introducing new information to students.  They are effective because they allow the learner to plug into the way the brain takes in new information and places it into memory.  The first once was the use of metaphors.  A metaphor is a powerful teaching tool because it connects new information to something that is already familiar to the student.  New research into how the brain learns emphasizes that new learning must be connected to something the student already knows.  It is this hook that allows the brain to more easily take in the new information.

     Jesus often used this type of teaching.  He said to His followers, "The kingdom of heaven is like a shepherd who had 100 sheep, and lost one.  He would leave the 99 in the pen and go to find the lost one."  Similarly, he talked about the a lost penny and a lost son.  Because His hearers understood about losing something special, they could understand what he was saying.  He often taught using farming metaphors-- perfect for an agrarian society.  Even before we knew this about the brain, He did, and He used it to proclaim His message to us.  What a great teacher!