AM I AN IGNORANT TEACHER?

I have just completed an intense block course of two weeks on Creative Teaching. The question “Why I teach” trigger me thinking.. and my answer is, I have never want to be a teacher by profession at all. But again when I became a mother of two and proficient in accounting work, it allows me to share my knowledge and experience. Due to my love to share my knowledge and skill, I was invited and paid for by client to teach their staff. It is a natural process and can do it without stress. But when I’m called to be a Life Group leader, I realised I cannot just teach them head-knowledge but the duty to share God’s word. Hoping that they too will long to draw near to God and be transformed by Him just as He has done in me progressively. I reckon that changes can only be the work of Holy Spirit. So honestly speaking, like a frog living in the well, I did not expecting much from this course. The need to complete one more module to get my basic Certification of Theology is the reason why I am in this class.

 Well, it is not the case at all!!! I have come across a few methods in this class that I should adopt. What was taught make some logical sense in me that I can be more efficient when imparting my skills and knowledge and very importantly hoping to impact lives with quality and in quantity for God. I am not gifted in “teaching”, so a lot more afford to practice are required. I must intentionally force myself to put together and apply what was taught so that I can be more creative and effective overtime. Below are points that I would like to share on what I can make me a better “teacher” that  serve like a vessel for God blessing to flow.

Firstly, the one thing that is absent from my teaching is the focus point that term as “Big Idea”. One positively stated short sentence with single idea that can be easily recollect by learners. From here that help me to derive a “learning goal”. What I did all this while was to feed them with a big chunk of aimless words thinking it is better to let them know more. My first few try during class time was a no where close to satisfactory. Though disappointed I but cannot give up because I realised I need more prayer and time to prepare in order to be led to getting the God directed “Big Idea”.  From here, I can work towards leading to a doing or action that allows learners to commit to it. Next, using Hook, Book, Look and Took plan (HBLT) is good lesson organizer. It bring can help bring out the “Big Plan” in steps which eventually lead to highlighting learning goal using the 8 step plan. Take (T) home an action plan that keep them spiritually awake and eventually life changes. It is a good time management tools too. Last point to share what was highlight to me was phrase “We teach who we are” by Parker Palmer. That make me recalled a few teachers in ACTS College that fit into the term. They are humble and very focus on nurturing the students. Thank you Teachers!

Will just end here and take this opportunity to thank you my classmates for your word of encouragement when I am weak and fumbled when I was delivering my project. All I can say to cheer myself now is “Jiayou”.