We talked about four methods of teaching that are used in Scripture; the Story,
Parables, Object Lessons, and Initiatives. Out of these four methods, which are
you most likely to use with your youth? Why do you think that particular one
would be the best way to get your point across?
I really liked object lessons, I think those would be what I would use most in my ministry with my youth. I like how they help you to identify the meaning of the stories easier, or what you are trying to teach easier. I am a very hands on learner so when I have an object lesson taught to me I always understand the content better because there is something there for me to associate it with. I think that is the most effective way for youth to learn because of this.It allows for them to be creative in trying to explain how they are taking the lesson in, and reflecting on it.
ReplyDeleteMy first response to this question was pretty much the same as Josh's. However, the more I think about it the more I want to say I would like to use Parables. This is because Parables use ordinary, everyday things and make Biblical lessons out of them. I think that Parables would be helpful in teaching youth because it shows them that everything has to do with their faith. A lot of times we like to try and separate our faith from the rest of our lives, when in all reality, our faith is our life. That is easy to forget sometimes I think. By using Parables it would show the youth that everything we do has meaning.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I have worked with teenagers, I have always found that they give me the best response whenever I teach them using some sort of parable. It's one thing to tell them "This is what God wants us to do, now go and do it" but it's another thing entirely when we actually give a real example of a concept being put into effect BEFORE we tell what the meaning of the lesson is. That's how Jesus did a lot of His ministry, and it was highly effective. Yes, the disciples questioned Him constantly...but His parables made them THINK about things. They stuck in their minds. I think that's the best way to make these concepts stick with our teens. When we get them to leave youth group still pondering the stories we discussed that night, it means it is sticking with them. Parables also offer a different perspective on things. For example, the parable of the Good Samaritan gave the disciples a new perspective on Samaritans entirely. They make you realize that things are not always what they seem. This is a powerful way to reach teenagers.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say that the method I will use most consistently is the story. I will be using various processes and methods week by week to teach, depending on the lesson. I want to always tie the lesson back to the meta-narrative of Scripture though. The fact that so often Biblical stories, parables, and verses are often taught simply in and of themselves without the bigger picture being brought forth hits home for me. I never really thought of Scripture that way until this summer when we had to teach the overarching story at camp. I feel like understanding each story and being able to critically think about how it plays into God's story will help students develop critical thinking skills and an understanding that within their own life, there is a larger picture and something much bigger than themselves. With where teens are developmentally, being able to take a step back and view their life as a small portion of the meta-narrative will help them in developing towards spiritual maturity.
ReplyDeleteThe methods that I like the most are stories and object lessons. This is because they are the ones that I have used and seen work. Telling stories engage everyone on different levels. You can make up, read, retell and recreate so many stories for lessons. You have an endless possibility. With this said, you can gear stories to be able to relate to your teens and what is going in their lives instead of just a general story found in a curriculum. I love object lessons because they are able to be used anywhere anytime. You can use them as fillers, demostrations, car games and much more. They offer a chance at quick mini lessons as well.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I work with children, I like to use the story. There is so much that you can do with the story. You can have to kids participate in the story in so many different ways. Also, you can put the kids in the story by using sound effects and graphics. I have found that the kids that I have taught tend to become really engaged in story and they typically tend to remember it better. While I like to use the story, I also think that you have to take into account the group of kids that you are ministering to. Some children may not respond to the story as well as they would respond to object lessons or other methods.
ReplyDeleteIn my work with children, I find that all of these can be great avenues for communicating the message of scripture and forming them into Christ-likeness. If I had to choose a prefered method, I would probably choose the story itself, and parable as well. It never ceaases to amaze me, despite the amount of time is has been read in the past, that God will reveal new truths through a story and His living word. Children are entirely capable of receiving the message. I have found that simply talking through the story - not reducing it to a dilluted version of scripture, but communicating in ways that they understand - and creating an atmosphere of dicussion and co-learning is a wonderful way to study the story.
ReplyDeleteI would most likely use parables because i have been through a lot and what always worked best for me was using parables to help me understand what we were talking about. I also feel as if kids these days better understand parables due to the different culture
ReplyDeleteI think I would most likely use parables because I love telling stories, and I also love hearing others tell stories as well. It's even better when the story has meaning behind it and you can learn and grow from it.
ReplyDeleteI mostly use the story and parables to get points across because I have found that most of my students respond better to stories than anything else. It works well because when I know the story, I usually paraphrase it and ask questions based off of the story that get the kids thinking about the stories in different ways.
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