ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 1 (Dec 27- Jan 2), The Call of Wisdom

Welcome

Many Sabbath School class teachers either preach a sermon to their class or deliver a monologue on the whole lesson, going through it "day-by-day." The most rewarding sessions involve the members in discussion. These questions here are intended to stimulate the active participation of the members in your class. Of course pertinent information imparted by the teacher is also very valuable, for which there are many resources in print and on the internet. This site seeks to provide a resource for discussions.

If you are a member and not a teacher and your class is boring, try asking questions such as these in your class.

Thursday, 1 January 2015

Lesson 1 (Dec 27- Jan 2), The Call of Wisdom

The Beginning of Wisdom

How can you reconcile "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "perfect love casts out fear?"
Why is fear of the Lord usually associated with shunning evil?

True Education

Are children in India shunted off to school too early?
Do children have to suffer socially if they are home schooled?
When is the right time for children to leave the nest?
Is "tied to mother's apron strings" a positive or negative image, and for what reasons?

The Call of Wisdom

Is wisdom inherited or acquired? Why is it wrong to be "simple?"
Why would anyone reject wisdom?

The Benefits of Wisdom

On a scale of 1-10 where would you place the Indian system of education in succeeding to go beyond memorization?
If God grants wisdom, how can a human be faulted for being foolish?
Why is wisdom personified as a woman and instead of a man?

Do Not Forget

What is the difference between self-confidence and overconfidence?
What do you think Eccl 7:16 means by cautioning against being overrighteous and overwise?
How can I know if I am really wise or just wise in mine own eyes?

How to Teach a Sabbath School Class

1. Make a conscious decision that you will lead a discussion and not preach a sermon. Prepare accordingly and be alert for discussion opportunities. A discussion in which many participate is very rewarding.

2. You must have a page of freshly written notes. Don't waste people's time with inconsequential things just to occupy the time.

3. Sprinkle your notes with discussion questions and mark them out in bold. Any time you feel you are losing the attention of the members get them into another discussion. The discussion should be relevant to the lesson as well as to everyday life.

4. Start the lesson with a discussion question, or at the very latest within the next few sentences. If you wait for ten minutes and then try to generate a discussion it will be too late. The class will have tuned you out because you have tuned them out.

5. The opening question should be general enough so that even those who have not studied will be interested in contributing.

6. Avoid questions that can be answered by a single word. If someone answers with "yes/no" ask them to give reasons for their answer. If the answer is too short ask them to clarify or simplify the answer.

7. If a member asks a question, that is a golden opportunity for a discussion. Don't waste it by answering it too quickly. Throw the question back to the members for their opinion. You can give yours at the end.

8. Avoid childish questions such as "Which day is the Sabbath?" Members will not feel any need to answer it. Similarly do not pause in a sentence for the members to supply the last few words. That kind of participation is not a discussion. Members must contribute ideas and thoughts and not just words.

9. Avoid trick questions. Members will be embarrassed if you show them wrong and they will not answer the next time. Also avoid questions that will make it obvious whether or not they have studied the lesson. Those who have not studied should also feel urged to contribute.

10. You may sometimes present two views and ask the members to evaluate the views.