Proven Strategies for Teaching

The Bible says in Isaiah 28:9–10, “Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine...For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little”

Teaching God’s truth is a tremendous privilege, but it is also a great responsibility for any Sunday school or Christian school teacher. Students learn step by step, from the simple to the more complex. Here are seven strategies for helping students become better learners for their benefit and the glory of the Lord.

1. Teachers must be thoroughly prepared, enthusiastic, and visual in their lessons.

Never step in front of students unprepared; this is a great abuse of the privilege you have been given by the Lord and by your pastor. Study and prepare as if you were teaching to the Lord in your classroom each day—because you are! Start and finish each lesson with enthusiasm. Use helpful and effective visual aids with each lesson.   

2. Teachers should maintain a sense of importance and urgency in their classrooms.

Keep lessons flowing, full of solid content, and energized. Help students to see the importance of each lesson and subject. Make it meaningful and profitable each day. Idle time causes students to meander mentally and become disengaged in the learning process.   

3. Teachers should walk around the room and keep students focused during each lesson.

Do not stay glued to your notes or to the lectern. Be alert and aware of what your students are doing.  Keep your student’s attention on you and on the lesson. Moving around the room will help students stay more focused and will reduce potential distractions among them. 

4. Teachers should ask leading questions to help students think.

Limit yes/no questions and provide more thought-provoking questions. Use the six basic levels of learning (from Bloom's Taxonomy) to ask stimulating questions. I have listed basic examples for each level. (Note: Questions in every academic subject could be developed. I have listed basic Bible questions below.) 

Knowledge—able to recall basic facts, the foundation for learning. 

Example: Name the books of the Bible.

Comprehension—able to compare and contrast information. 

Example: Compare the Ten Commandments with the Sermon on the Mount.

Application—able to apply previously learned material to a new situation.

Example: Determine the biblical principles that are best learned from the account of the Prodigal Son. 

Analysis—able to properly dissect and think critically about something. 

Example: Illustrate and conclude biblically what the New Testament teaches about the doctrine of salvation. 

Synthesis—able to master a topic and predict and/or solve a problem properly.

Example: Construct a model for integrating the Bible with every academic subject in the Christian school. 

Evaluation—able to make proper judgments based upon one’s biblical values and comprehensive knowledge. 

Example: Defend your belief in the six days of Creation. 

5. Teachers should demonstrate to their students how to take effective notes.

Most students do not know how to take good notes or even how to use them. Lead your students to become effective note takers, emphasizing main points and principles.

6. Teachers should always give clear directions and have clear expectations.

Be very clear about what you expect and desire from a student spiritually and academically. Remove any doubts or lack of understanding by providing clear instructions that are repeated and/or written down. 

7. Teachers must develop Christ-like love and demonstrate genuine concern for their students.

Learn and use your students’ names on the first day of class. Students feel unrestrained and unaccountable if they even perceive that you do not know their names. Take the next step, and find out your student’s interests and likes. Then, pray with students about areas in which they may be struggling.

When we look back to our teenage years, most of us can remember a teacher who made a positive impression in our hearts and minds. By God’s grace, you can do the same!