Discovery Teaching Like Jesus
Engaging Adult Learners
- Discipleship & Christian Education
- Publisher: Resource Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2020
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Publisher's Description
Discovery Teaching Like Jesus critiques the current assumptions, models, and delivery methods of adult religious education. Based on a constructivist theory, it examines the unique ways in which Jesus proclaimed his message to followers and then applies that to current teaching practices in religious settings. It focuses on adult learning theory (andragogy) and transformative learning while applying the discovery teaching methods in adult spiritual formation classes and groups. The authors identify four ways that Jesus implements constructivist methods: he creates teachable moments, he employs powerful narratives, he sparks curiosity, and he makes his listeners think. Using these techniques as a framework, the authors demonstrate how to use these in adult religious education settings. In the final section, the authors offer suggestions for excellence in teaching through recruiting, training, and supporting reflective teachers. Included in this final section are ways that adult facilitators can use self-reflection and examination to enhance their teaching ability.
Endorsements (6)
“Kathy and Jeff are passionate about communicating truth in a way fitting for followers of Christ. As often is the case, thinking like Jesus means rethinking much of what we believe we already know. Kathy and Jeff are trusted guides for those who come to Jesus like a child but who want to learn from him like an adult.”
“At the end of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’s parting words instruct his followers to go and to make disciples (in Greek, ‘learners’) of all nations. Although certainly at the heart of the Christian mission, this task of making learners has become for too many churches a stale routine with lackluster results. Citing extensive examples from the Gospels, the authors of this stimulating and encouraging book urge readers to revitalize their own teaching ministries by emulating the teaching methods of Jesus.”
“In Discovery Teaching Like Jesus: Engaging Adult Learners you will find open discussion of ideas relating to adult thinking models, challenging your own assumptions as an adult Christian, and a presumption that growth beyond your present spiritual development may involve critical thinking and engagement in unfamiliar dialogue. Kathy and Jeff’s book is a book for grown-ups. Their book is a book for grown-up seekers who may be tired of echo-chamber ‘Christian education’ where the milk is familiarly sweet week after week. They have written a book about spiritual meat, and the processes by which both servers and receivers can benefit from coming together and engage critically in the word.”
“Kathy and Jeff have put together a unique and informative instruction manual for us. From the beginning pages to the final bibliography, you will be amazed and immersed in their words. Jesus didn’t tell; he engaged. And Kathy and Jeff use this same model for us. You will be filled to overflowing with your own thoughts and images thanks to the engaging ways this couple invites you into a wonderful learning adventure.”
“Through my master’s and doctoral work I encountered much of what’s here but the blessing is that Kathy and Jeff have gathered the scattered into a cogent refresher that oozes passion and inspires.”
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