We have been discussing creating an environment that encourages self-motivation. Today we investigate the third of 4 keys to helping students develop the desire to learn. So far we have looked at being relational and experiential (Part 3). Today we look at being Applicable.
Learners show a definite lack of motivation when they can’t see how the information relates to their real lives. This would explain why most of us did not learn or remember much about biology or algebra. We remembered the information only long enough to pass the test. When we attempt to drill Bible facts into our student’s brains without a vivid understanding of how that information applies to their lives, that data will go to the short-term waste bin along with the algebra and biology facts.
The Word of God is not a collection of facts to be temporarily memorized. His Word is a guide for how we should live today, for how we should know Him, for how we should deepen our relationships with Him. After all. God wants us to worship Him not His book.
When we approach the Bible as a relevant guide book for our contemporary lives, we open the window for intrinsic motivation.
Jesus’ teaching was not a tedious academic exercise in drilling facts. He never insisted His followers memorize terms. Every teaching, every parable, every active-learning experience, applied directly to people’s lives. Thus His followers experienced intrinsic motivation to learn . And their lives were never the same.
Stories and personal experiences can communicate real-life application in a tangible way.
Being life-applicable is a core value of the Teen Challenge PSNL and GSNL curriculum.
I have observed many classes in discipleship settings that were teaching for content and theology but included little to no life-application.A particular Sunday school curriculum that I remember from my past was filled with Bible stories and theology and had one small paragraph of personal application at the end. Almost as a side-note or afterthought.
Consider all of the curriculum that you use at your center — is it relevant and applicable to the lives of your students?
Please feel free to share your comments and thoughts on this topic.
*taken and adapted from The Dirt on Learning by Thom and Joani Schultz
