Four Keys for Making Learning Fun

Written by Richard E. Dodge

If a learning experience is not enjoyable, many people just won’t return. People have countless things to do that they enjoy. Teachers who make learning exciting and enjoyable by getting learners personally involved and discovering what they think or feel are far more likely to get people involved and to return.

Planning is essential for teachers who want to create opportunities for group participation. Adult Bible study and discipleship materials often recommend ways to create group participation. Action and participation are essential to good learning. Creating action opportunities can be fun and can reinforce relationships and learning. Consider some ways to create action moments.

Use icebreakers. Help learners build person-to-person bridges. Icebreakers should be short and light. They help make acquaintances, renew relationships and create a safe environment. The leader can begin by asking a question that can be answered quickly by each learner.  

Use conversational prayer. This approach allows participation by everyone and reduces the fear of comparison to the "Best Class Prayer." The leader starts with a one-sentence prayer and encourages other to participate. Suggest that people can pass by squeezing the hand of the next person in line. The leader may then close the prayer.

Create play. Many adults have lost the ability to have fun while learning. Arrange learners into groups of two or three. Provide modeling clay, for example, for each group, and ask learners to shape a representation of idols with which people wrestle today. Then have the groups present their work and explain the idol. Ask the group to tear apart or destroy this idol in front of the class, connecting this activity with how we can destroy real idols in our lives.

Ask questions. Asking good questions is a skill we can learn. If your group has not learned how to open up and express themselves freely, the questions should be focused at first more on facts. As the group begins to bond the questions can be altered to be more reflective, inviting participants to share personal life experiences and personal reactions to the issues they are discussing.

The small-group process is exciting and dynamic. It builds relationships, attracts new members and provides opportunities for evangelism. Small groups provide the foundation for building disciples and church workers. Being creative and focusing on relationship building can strengthen the Sunday School, discipleship groups and the church as a whole.

Share your thoughts with other readers:  Post Comments   Rate this Article