THE ROLE OF THE STUDENT IN GOSPEL LEARNING

  Sometimes students come to the learning setting thinking that the responsibility for their learning rests only with the teacher. They want to sit passively and have education happen to them.  This should not be.  One person cannot learn a gospel principle for another.  The scriptures tell us that each person must work out their own salvation (see Philippians 2:12).  Parents cannot live the gospel for their children.  Each person has a responsibility for his or her own gospel learning and living, and each will ultimately be judged by how they fulfill that responsibility.

   Teachers can help students accept their role in learning.  One way to do this is for teachers to stay focused on the learner and  not just on teaching.  The difference between focusing on the learner and focusing on teaching or on the teacher is illustrated by the difference in a teacher who says, "What shall I do in class today?" and one who says, "What will my students do in class today" or "What will I teach today?"  and "How will I help my students discover what they need to know?"
    There are conditions that, if  present in the learner, will greatly enhance gospel learning.  These conditions are learner readiness, learner participation, and learner application.  They are part of the learner's responsibility.  But a teacher can help stimulate readiness, maintain participation, and aid application.

Role of the Student