The Savior Helped Others Take Responsibility for Their Learning (March 18-24)

Building barges that would safely cross oceans would be a difficult task for anyone. The brother of Jared was “directed continually by the hand of the Lord” (Ether 2:6), receiving instructions about the shape of the vessels and how they would be ventilated. But what do you notice about how the Lord responded when the brother of Jared asked about providing light in the barges? (see Ether 2:22–25). How was the brother of Jared blessed by the invitation to exercise his faith in this way? (see Ether 3:1–16).

It might seem easier to just tell learners all the things you think they should know. However, Elder David A. Bednar counseled: “Our intent ought not to be ‘What do I tell them?’ Instead, the questions to ask ourselves are ‘What can I invite them to do? What inspired questions can I ask that, if they are willing to respond, will begin to invite the Holy Ghost into their lives?’” (evening with a General Authority, Feb. 7, 2020, broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Consider how you can invite learners to take responsibility for their learning. For example, you could invite them to ask their own questions, search for answers, ponder, and share or record their thoughts and feelings. As they do, they will strengthen their faith, discover truths in God’s word, and have their own experiences with these truths. As we take responsibility for our own learning, we can say, as Joseph Smith did, “I have learned for myself” (Joseph Smith—History 1:20).

Questions to Ponder: Why is it important for learners to be active rather than passive in their learning? How can you help them take responsibility for their learning? How have teachers helped you do this? What examples from the scriptures can you think of where people were invited to learn for themselves? How do these examples affect how you teach?

From the Scriptures: 1 Nephi 11; Doctrine and Covenants 9:7–8; 58:26–28; 88:118–125; Joseph Smith—History 1:11–20