Using Fear to Become a Better Teacher

Written by Richard E. Dodge

Fear is powerful. Fear prompts us into what many researchers call the “flight or flight” mode. For teachers facing the responsibility of leading adults in learning experiences, fear can motivate us into creative and adaptive modes that lead us into personal discovery and great learning experiences for those who participate, or can cause us to revert to defensive and self-protective teaching habits.

When no learning is taking place, no real teaching is taking place. I’m sure that's why James admonished his readers to take seriously the role of teaching because we will be measured by a higher standard by God. But just as Paul wrote to Timothy that we should not be captives to the spirit of fear - a more permanent form of paralysis - we should let fear become a motivating force that moves us to higher levels of teaching effectiveness. 

Fear can motivate us to learn about ourselves. How we teach most likely is defined by how we learn.

Solutions:

• Discover how you prefer to process and engage with new information.
• Become a student of educational techniques.

Fear can move us to new practices. Teachers often make the mistake of teaching the same way someone else has taught.

Solutions:

• Set a learning goal in personal growth in God’s Word.
• Expand your knowledge of learners and learning.
• Enlist another teacher into an accountability partnership.

Fear can change our focus. Many teachers, even capable ones, think first: What am I going to teach on Sunday? The proper question is to ask: What am I going to engage learners in doing during the session so I can create a better opportunity for learning?

Solutions:

• Ask learners to suggest ways to make your sessions more significant to them.
• Enlist learners to teach portions of the session with you.

Teachers can take advantage of fear, turning fear into positive results. The key however is recognizing that fear, taking control of the situation - remember, Paul said that God promises power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV) - and turning fear into growth.

Get more information on how this article addresses fear issues. Download the article: Use Fear to Become a Better Teacher.

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