Inspire Me

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It is important that students understand their role and responsibility regarding learning. Jennifer Romack, an instructor at California State University at Northridge includes the following statement in her course syllabus each semester: "Learning is not a spectator sport. Fundamentally, the responsibility to learn is yours and yours alone... For learning to happen in any course, you must take an active role in the process." ("Enhancing student readiness to learn," The Teaching Professor, October 2006, p. 1) As Elder A. Roger Merrill noted (Ensign, November 2006, p. 93): "We live in an entertainment world, a spectator world. Without realizing it, we can find ourselves ... going to church with the attitude, "Here I am; now inspire me." We become spiritually passive." This can also apply to some of our students and their attitude toward Seminary. Elder Merrill continued: "When we focus instead on seeking and receiving the Spirit, we become less concerned about a teacher or speaker holding our attention and more concerned about giving our attention to the Spirit. Remember, receive is a verb. It is a principle of action. It is a fundamental expression of faith." (pp. 93-94) You can help your students learn that in most instances the difference between a "good lesson" and a "bad lesson" lies with them and their attitude. It is an important lesson that will serve them well throughout their lifetime. Best wishes, Ken www.KenAlford.com ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com