Global Youth Ministry Network - Asia

Now that you have understood the three basic learning styles and have seen some specific examples of the styles, you need to be able to look at your lesson aim and find ways to connect your teaching elements to the aim. You need to think about your aim and see what elements (or method of instruction) will help you connect to all types. This will probably mean you need a variety of elements to insure you capture everyone involved. You have to realize that you do not know what learning style each person has, so you have to offer options for all and in this way everyone will connect to the aim at some point.

As you outline your lesson, beginning with the aim and working down through the actions you want to take, it is essential to include all types of learning styles as you go. For example, you may want to have pictures, videos or handouts for the visual learners. Use music, your verbal teaching and small groups for the auditory learners. For the tacitile/kinesthetic learners utilize the small groups as well as an involved project or building of objects and group movement, activities or dramas. Once you have some ideas then you have an outline for a lesson that meets. Putting these ideas into action will lead the students to that aim through teaching methods that meet them where they are (their learning style).

~~~

All of the above is incredible and very practical to know as a teacher and it works for all kinds of teaching. But, in the ministry of Jesus Christ we have to have the power of God through His Holy Spirit as our guide. Though we end this article with this section, it should be your first thought in teaching. In fact, the Holy Spirit along with Christ are to be the center part of our teachings. If we do not keep them as front and center then all of the above is temporary earthly knowledge. Jesus promised all believers that, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another helper (Counselor), that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth…” (John 14:16-17a, NASB)

As you teach to groups of any size keep these elements in mind regarding the learning styles of others. You will find that God will give you creative ways to engage people into the lessons. Even as you read Scripture take note of the different ways that God taught His people and how Jesus Himself taught. Jesus Himself was the master teacher and He taught with style, now go and do likewise!

Chris Davis
Executive Director – Global Youth Ministry Network