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Questions such as "Who is the author of the Bible book we are studying?" require a precise answer. Group discussion is strongly impacted by another teaching method, question and answer. Master the use of open questions to enhance group discussion The class may conclude with a time of reflection and personal commitment. The session may continue with participants exploring potential applications of the Bible truths using case studies in small groups.
#Bible study group topics series
Then, group discussion may be used to guide members with a series of well-constructed questions. Use group discussion as one of several teaching methodsĪ Sunday School teacher may want to provide foundational information about a Bible passage by using a brief lecture. Simple as it sounds, knowing the members of the Sunday School class or Bible study group provides a solid foundation for the use of group discussion. Consider the following suggestions to enhance your use of the group discussion method with your Bible study group. The way questions are posed to the class, the trust and respect climate of the class, and even the physical environment where the class meets are all factors that influence participants' responses.Īs with most teaching methods, group discussion is best used as a part of a systematic, planned approach to learning that understands the needs, interests, and abilities of the learner.
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Lead the group toward a specific goal for the session.For effective group discussion, the leader must know the subject well, understanding various nuances of meaning, possible points of disagreement, and potential applications. Often group discussion is considered as a way the teacher can fill time or get members of the class to supply the teacher's missing or inadequate knowledge. For group discussion to have maximum effectiveness, the following dynamics much be in place. Used improperly, group discussion can quickly degenerate into chaos or an exercise in futility - pooled ignorance.Ĭonsider these insights to make more effective use of group discussion as a primary teaching method. Properly used, group discussion provides a straightforward way to involve class members with examining Bible truths, considering nuances of meanings, and expressing possible applications of Bible truth. The others are the lecture, question and answer, case study, and brainstorming methods. Group discussion is one of the five basic teaching methods commonly used by adult Sunday School leaders or Bible study leaders.
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