Sowing Seed

 If it hasn't become apparent yet to the readers of this blog (the analytics tell me someone reads it, but no comments?), I am a Christian. I have in the last few years decided to jettison any other labels I might have used in the past because of "shenanigans," political and otherwise. 

But I do study the Bible every morning, write devotional books, attend church regularly, teach a Bible class, sponsor a Christian student group, and try to ensure my life's decisions are guided by Christ's teachings and the Holy Spirit. 

I also think about teaching a lot, so this will be more Bible study than evidence-based andragogy. 

I read Mark 4 this morning, where we find the parable of the sower. I think it is relevant to instructors in college. The basic point is that the readiness of the heart and mind of the hearer of the gospel will determine the results--conversion and growth, or immediate happiness and falling away due to pressure and persecutions and unrooted faith. 

I attended a wonderful session with one of the highest-level teaching and learning specialists last week (see earlier post) and left with the overriding question: what good does our creating the conditions for learning do if the students refuse to prepare for the classroom or to spend the time necessary outside of class? If they do not do the homework, study the material, invest time on task, what good is our wonderfully constructed classroom experiences that engage learners and use active learning?

The parable tells that. Until we shift the balance of responsibility back to the student for their own learning, we will keep beating our heads against the wall. 

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