Discovery Teaching Like Jesus: Engaging Adult Learners

By Kathy Hoppe, Jeff Hoppe and HeeKap Lee

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Release date: Apr 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9781725265981

Kathy Hoppe

Kathy Hoppe is a licensed marital and family therapist, certified compassion fatigue professional, and adjunct faculty member at Grand Canyon University.

Book preview

Introduction

Once upon a time a girl and a boy met in the Lone Star state while attending a staff retreat. They were caught off guard because little did they know this would mark the beginning of their journey together. She was fascinated with his way of communicating clearly and concisely about theological systems and his understanding of biblical truths. He was surprised by her mind. The other girls he met did not ponder things so deeply. While they spent the year working on different college campuses and commuting to other meetings together, they began to talk about life, relationships, religion, and many other topics. Sometimes the drives were not long enough. And when they found one another at the seminary campus, there was nothing that could separate them from continuing their conversations. And that dialogue continues to this day.

Some people do not like the way we question everything. We believe we embrace a healthy skepticism. In this book, we use our critical reflection skills and practical experiences to guide readers through learning how to engage adults in religious and spiritual education. Some of you may not like our methods. Others are going to love it. Do what you will with this book. You may think that we are wrong, but if we spur you to reflect more deeply about how to teach adults, then we have accomplished our purpose.

In Discovery Teaching Like Jesus, we propose that Jesus demonstrates how we need to interact with adults so that they can have a transformational experience. In Part I, we introduce you to our observations. It is not our intent to be critical but rather to critique current teaching methods in our churches. We do so from our own training and experiences. We do not claim to be experts in the field of adult education, but we do have exposure and experience in leading adult groups.

In Part II, we introduce you to a different way of teaching, that of discovery learning. We use examples from the ministry of Jesus to demonstrate the principles we promote. In Part III, we dissect these elements for you so readers can learn how to create teachable moments, employ powerful narratives, spark curiosity, and make adults think. Then we provide you with our ideas and resources to implement the model. Finally, in Part IV, we talk about excellence, motivation, self-reflection, and self-supervision, as well as training and support for reflective