6. Preparation and Effort

The Spirit is the Ultimate Teacher. The effort we put into preparing for class will invite the Spirit to individually teach us. We are also blessed with the Spirit as we share our insights and listen to others share theirs.

All are expected to come prepared to class having read, listened, watched, and pondered the material assigned for that week's discussion. Mentors rarely lecture, but rely on the Spirit to teach the youth while the guide the principle-centered activities and discussion as everyone shares and testifies about what they learned and applied with one another.

Scriptures:
2 Corinthians 9:6
Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21; 58:27; 50:24; 64:34; 84:110
2 Nephi 33:1

Applications:
Reflection
Time is set apart each class for reflection. Youth reflect on what God would have them do in their lives after the insights they gained from their studies, each other and the Spirit.

Prayer and Pondering:
Mentors and youth are encouraged to ponder and pray about their inspirements and what God would have them learn that week

Questions:
Mentors and youth come prepared with principle-based questions that encourage youth to think about the evidence they found for principles and the application to their lives.

Concrete Ideas:
Object lessons, stories and activities are a great way to start a discussion as they help abstract concepts become more concrete and help the youth make connections

Sharing Inspirements:
It is best when inspirements are shared as part of a discussion to avoid the show-and-tell feel of going in a circle to share what was brought. This can sometimes turn into a long lecture by the youth to each other instead of a discussion of great ideas.

Small Groups:
It is often effective to break up into small groups to give everyone a chance to share. It is true that not everyone will get to hear all of the inspirements, but much more is gained from sharing then is gained form listening to someone else share. Dividing into small groups gives more youth a chance to share in a shorter period of time and allows for more discussion of what was shared, especially by those who are leery of sharing their thoughts in a larger group.

Plan Inspirements into the Lesson:
Some mentors have found it helpful to ask the youth to let them know ahead of time (through their parents, email or by commenting on a blog) what inspirement they are sharing. This allows the mentors to plan the class in a way that lends to inspirements being shared as they contribute to the discussion or activity.

Discussion Blogs:
Discussion blogs are also a good tool for youth to discuss class material before going to class. Parents can be invited to also contribute to the discussion blog and ask questions that will help the youth think and apply. See an example of a discussion blog here

Further Reading:
Five Principles of Gospel Learning
Expectations of a Student
BYU learning model