So That Your Learners Remember
How do we teach in a brain-friendly way so that our learners will be more likely to recall the information being learned? There are five simple strategies we can utilize that will enable us to optimize memory formation. Over the next several issues, we will investigate those strategies. (Note: Some of the tips may be geared toward teaching children, but they also are applicable for teaching adults.) 



Dr. Rhoda Wolle is the Dean of Student Success and an Associate Professor of Education at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee. She teaches Educational Psychology in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. She received her BS in Secondary Education from Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN. At Marian University, Fond du Lac, WI, she was awarded an MA in Education with special emphasis on students. She earned her PhD in Educational Psychology from Capella University in Minneapolis, MN. Rhoda has spoken internationally to thousands of educators, parents, and teens on the topic of education. She is a member of St. Lucas Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, music, reading, sports, golf, sailing, and walking her dog Kipper.
They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.  Acts 5:42
Adult Education: Additum
Chunking in Your Course Design

In the lead article, Dr. Wolle talks about the importance of chunking information to help students remember what they are learning.
 
Connie Malamed, an eLearning coach, gives four steps that might help us build chunking into our classes as we develop them. Keep in mind that Ms. Malamed’s blog is aimed at college or corporate instruction, in particular those who are developing eLearning courses. But we can apply much of what she says to the classes we develop for Bible study.

Teaching Toolbox
Interactive Faith

Last month we looked at the Interactive Faith Bible studies produced by the WELS Commission on Discipleship.

This month we are going to learn more about the next scheduled Bible study. This study could hold special interest for evangelism committees and church councils as well as those who cherish opportunities to study the Scriptures. Read what Pastor Donn Dobberstein, Director of Discipleship, has to say about the upcoming study, and consider how you might encourage your evangelism team, your church council, and your membership in general to participate in these special opportunities to study God’s Word.

Curriculum Connection
Lifestyle Witnessing

Late summer and early autumn often present us with a lot of opportunities for telling others about Jesus. There may be unchurched families in our Lutheran elementary school or our early childhood center. Our congregation’s evangelism program may be picking up momentum. This year presents a special opportunity for sharing the gospel through the synod-wide, coordinated C18 initiative.
 
Randy Hunter’s classic Bible study Lifestyle Witnessing would be a great tool for preparing God’s people to carry out the purpose for which God has placed them on this earth. To see a sample lesson, click the links below.

Sample Teacher's Guide: PDF
Sample Student Lesson: PDF | RTF


Teaching Tip

Consider using e-mail or text messages between class sessions to generate comments or questions for discussion. Out-of-class discussions can increase the interest level and class participation.
  Teach the Word  is a collaboration of Northwestern Publishing House,
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, and WELS Adult Discipleship.