Here is an interesting thought that I found as I was studying in the teacher manual. I was looking at the sentence, "Fundamentals from Preach My gospel--Teaching More Effectively: Eight areas of focus that have been identified as a foundation for helping missionaries become better teachers." (p. 3). I thought that it went really well with D&C 43:15-16 "Again I say, hearken ye elders of my church, whom I have appointed: Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit; And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and yes shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken." I thought to myself, "am I teaching in such a way that enables the missionaries to build a foundation of learning through their experiences with the curriculum?" Then I thought to myself, "what does that even mean?" Here's the encyclopedia edition:
foundation, Part of a structural system that supports and anchors the superstructure of a building and transmits its loads directly to the earth. To prevent damage from repeated freeze-thaw cycles, the bottom of the foundation must be below the frost line. The foundations of low-rise residential buildings are nearly all supported on spread footings, wide bases (usually of concrete) that support walls or piersand distribute the load over a greater area. A concrete grade beam supported by isolated footings, piers, or piles may be placed at ground level, especially in a building without a basement, to support the exterior wall. Spread footings are also used—in greatly enlarged form—for high-rise buildings. Other systems for supporting heavy loads include piles, concrete caisson columns, and building directly on exposed rock. In yielding soil, a floating foundation—consisting of rigid, boxlike structures set at such a depth that the weight of the soil removed to place it equals the weight of the construction supported—may be used. (Encyclopedia Britanica).
I realized how important it is for us as teachers to teach in such a way that the missionaries build a foundation of learning centered on interactions with the Godhead. I also realized that we need to help them go deep enough in their learning to that they are below the spiritual frost line. Who would have thought that construction could teach so much about the gospel?! (besides Krys Gardner that is).
Another sentence that stood out to me: "As you understand what the activities are and how they fit together you will be able to guide the missionaries in their efforts to become better teachers" (p. 4).There is significant importance in having a correct understanding of our roles as teachers and of the missionaries roles. Sometimes I feel like we have the mindset that we are responsible for making the missionaries better teachers. Instead, we should be focused on guiding them in their efforts to become better. Extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation. Good ol' Drive teaching gospel truths. Thank you Mr. Pink!
