Introduction
In an address during a leadership training, President Russell M. Nelson emphasized that youth are more spiritually attuned than we sometimes realize. He taught that, as we help them discover their divine potential, they will rise to the occasion. In the spirit of this counsel, fostering active participation in seminary is crucial to helping students grow spiritually, even in early morning classes where energy and motivation can be low.
Key Principles for Encouraging Participation:
Personal Connection
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has reminded us that students need to feel they belong. Building relationships of trust and love can unlock their willingness to participate. Consider these ideas:
Start with a Check-in: Take a moment to personally greet each student as they come in. A simple “How are you?” can create an atmosphere where students feel seen.
Know their names and stories: Show interest in their lives outside the classroom. Use examples in lessons that connect with their experiences, reinforcing that their contributions matter.
Create Safe and Welcoming Spaces
President Emily Belle Freeman has often emphasized the importance of creating an environment where youth feel safe and loved. Consider:
Affirmation over perfection: Encourage students to share thoughts without the pressure of being "correct." Make it clear that any contribution is valued.
Set a tone of respect: Encourage an environment where everyone listens attentively to each other. When a student speaks, ensure they feel heard by responding with affirming and supportive comments.
Invite and Expect
Elder David A. Bednar taught that faith often precedes the miracle. When teachers expect participation, they demonstrate faith in their students’ ability to engage meaningfully. You might try:
Ask thought-provoking questions: Rather than simple yes/no queries, ask open-ended questions like, “How does this scripture apply to your life?” or “What can we learn from this story?”
Invite them to teach: Invite students to lead brief parts of the discussion, bearing in mind Elder Bednar’s counsel that "we learn more by teaching."
Make It Relevant and Engaging
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland emphasized that gospel learning should feel applicable to students’ daily challenges and opportunities. Practical ideas include:
Use real-life examples: Help students see the relevance of scriptural teachings by connecting them with their day-to-day experiences.
Incorporate creative activities: Utilize role-playing, group discussions, or multimedia to break up the routine and offer different ways for students to participate.
Celebrate Spiritual Moments
President Henry B. Eyring taught that the Holy Ghost will testify of truth in ways that are unique to each person. When students share insights or spiritual experiences, celebrate those moments:
Acknowledge spiritual contributions: Recognize when a student has shared something insightful or spiritually meaningful. This reinforces that their contributions can bring light to the group.
Bear your testimony: Bear testimony of how you have seen the Spirit work in the classroom. This can inspire students to share more of their personal experiences.
Conclusion
By creating an atmosphere of love, expectation, and spiritual relevance, seminary teachers can help students engage more fully in class, even in the early morning hours. As President Nelson has often said, "the youth of the church are not only part of the future but are essential now." Encouraging participation will help these youth become more confident in their understanding and sharing of the gospel.
Action Step: This week, focus on using open-ended questions that invite personal reflection and participation. Monitor how these questions shift the class dynamic, and adjust as needed to ensure students feel both comfortable and excited to contribute.
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