Getting Beyond Lecture: Simple Ways to Make Your Class More Conversational

Does Your Bible Study Resemble a Sermon?

If you're similar to many church leaders, there might be a Sunday School instructor who conducts the class akin to a sermon. Their intentions are good, and they put in effort to prepare. However, their teaching often turns into a one-way dialogue rather than a moment of shared discovery. There's no need for a complete overhaul of their beliefs or a reassignment of their class. Instead, guiding them towards fostering discussion is key, and this can be initiated through simple, practical steps.

The Effectiveness of Conversation-Based Teaching Over Lecturing

While lectures have their place, numerous adult learners find it more engaging to verbalize their thoughts. A conversational approach to Bible study helps individuals: retain information more effectively, form personal connections with Scripture, and learn from how others apply their faith. When educators transition from delivering information to encouraging dialogue, the class transforms into a nurturing environment rather than just a conventional classroom setting.

Step 1: Commence with Thought-Provoking Queries

The transition from delivering monologues to engaging in conversations can be facilitated by posing insightful questions. Here are a few examples to get started: What resonated with you in this passage? How would you elucidate this to a friend who isn't part of a church community? What aspects of this verse challenge you? How can we practice this in times of chaos? Steering clear of yes/no inquiries and opting for queries that prompt reflection, personal experiences, and practical applications invites participants to delve into the text rather than solely following the instructor's agenda.

Step 2: Incorporate Activities That Encourage Participation

Assisting instructors in utilizing relaxed activities that encourage participation is beneficial, especially for individuals who may be hesitant to speak initially: Turn and Discuss: Pose a question and have each person engage in a conversation with a neighbor before sharing with the group. (Ideal for larger classes.) Silent Start: Allocate time for everyone to jot down their thoughts before initiating a group discussion. (Assists introverted individuals in processing information.) Ranking Exercise: Present three spiritual challenges from the passage and request participants to rank them based on personal difficulty. Encourage them to share their perspectives. These strategies serve as avenues to foster meaningful conversations rather than mere surface-level interactions.

Step 3: Minimize Lecture Duration

Encourage instructors to limit their introductory remarks to 5-7 minutes before transitioning into discussions. This approach keeps the focus on Scripture while fostering a sense of discovery among participants. You could convey: "Your goal isn't to cover every detail but to open up avenues for exploration. Let the text guide the discussion." Embracing discussion-based teaching doesn't entail disregarding preparation; instead, it involves preparing in a manner that centers around questions rather than mere bullet points.

Step 4: Provide Supportive Measures

Many instructors worry about encountering silence in discussions, which often prompts them to resort back to lecturing. Here are ways to support them: Equip them with five standby questions to utilize anytime. Teach them to allow a full 10 seconds of silence before intervening. Demonstrate how to acknowledge and expand upon student contributions. Alternatively, offer resources that already include discussion prompts, such as the worksheets available on StevesBibleQuestions.com. These worksheets are tailored to: focus on biblical texts, cater to adult learners, emphasize real-life applications and discussions, and align with the scriptures being taught in the Lifeway Explore the Bible or Bible Studies for Life curricula. When instructors have robust materials at their disposal, they are more inclined to embrace new teaching methods.

Step 5: Acknowledge Progress, Not Perfection

It's important to recognize that instructors may not immediately master discussion-based teaching in the initial stages, and that's perfectly acceptable. Celebrate even the slightest advancements, such as: a reserved participant expressing their thoughts for the first time, an instructor allowing more room for student input, or a class extending discussions beyond the scheduled time due to engaging conversations. These instances signify spiritual growth and should be commended.

In Conclusion: Facilitate Meaningful Teaching Through Dialogue

Encouraging adult instructors to move away from traditional lectures is a potent strategy to enhance your Sunday School program. As class members actively participate, reflect deeply, and connect biblical teachings to their lives, they experience personal growth. Simultaneously, instructors also undergo development and enrichment. Initiate discussions, equip your leaders, and for resources that can aid in this transition, consider exploring StevesBibleQuestions.com.

Sometimes, the most effective method of teaching is by posing thought-provoking questions.