Category: Adult Learning

  • Adult Education: Lessons Learned

    A veteran of almost 20 years of ministry entered the classroom with a preconceived idea of what higher-level adult education (andragogy) would look like: linear and clean, organized and detailed. There were going to be tables and chairs facing one direction. At the head of the classroom there would be a podium at which the…

  • Collaboration in the Adult Classroom

    “Now take a couple minutes at your table to discuss this scenario and after that we’ll share our thoughts with the whole group.” Do you feel a little bit of dread in your heart when you hear those words as a student in a Bible study? Some learners love breakout groups. They dive right into…

  • Teach the Word: Having an Aim for Your Lesson

    In a previous issue of Teach the Word we emphasized that the purpose of a Bible study is not simply to make spiritual smarty-pants out of God’s people so they can answer all the questions in Bible Trivial Pursuit. But since our students must first know God’s Word before they will be empowered to act,…

  • Educational Technology – Is It “Kid’s Stuff”?

    The Teacher’s Guide to Tech 2022 comes in at a whopping 336 pages. Each page brings fresh ideas regarding apps and websites for the classroom courtesy of the guide’s publisher, Jennifer Gonzalez, and her blog—Cult of Pedagogy. Jennifer Gonzalez concentrates on tech resources for K-12 educators, students, and classrooms. But if you’re waiting for the…

  • Letter From the Editor: A New Blog Series and Bible Study for a Growing Problem

    Dear Brothers in Ministry, You’ve heard the argument: “But Pastor, God wants me to be happy.” You’ve sensed the hint of pride as someone proclaims, “You know, God helps those who help themselves.”  Worldwide, only 6 percent of professing Christians hold to foundational biblical beliefs. But even among those, you will hear professions of unbiblical beliefs—like…

  • Universal Design for Learning, Part Three

    As we conclude this brief series on Universal Design for Learning, let’s look at some potential implications of UDL for our adult Bible study classes. You’ll remember from previous articles that UDL is a design framework based on Acknowledging learner variability. Every learner brings different gifts, learning preferences, challenges, and life situations to the classroom.…

  • Universal Design For Learning, Part Two

    Imagine that you’re planning a trip for your family to travel from Wisconsin to Florida. To get there, you could travel directly through states like Illinois, Tennessee, and Georgia.  Or if you were so inclined, you could head east toward Washington, D.C., and then south skirting the Atlantic. Or you could head southwest toward Houston…

  • Universal Design for Learning, Part One

    Imagine taking a dozen sixth graders out for ice cream. Their eyes light up as they view their choices on the menu board behind the counter and the various flavors displayed in the cooler case in front of them. Chocolate peanut butter, birthday cake, mint chocolate chip—and a host of others. What’s more, some might…