The Seven Laws of the Learner How to Teach Almost Anything to Practically Anyone by Wilkinson, Bruce [Multnomah Books,2005]

by Unknown Author

The Seven Laws of the Learner How to Teach Almost Anything to Practically Anyone by Wilkinson, Bruce. Published by Multnomah Books,2005, Hardcover

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Leadership, Christian, Self Help, Theology

Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

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Reviews

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredible book that I believe all educators need to read! It provides incredible insight and gives practical ways to dramatically improve the success of the students learning capabilities. This book has completely changed the way I view teaching, and couldn’t recommend this enough!

[Shaun Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read about three books each month, and this has to be one of the most impactful and convicting for the year 2015. (The other book that had such a profound impact on my life and worldview would be Clowney's Unfolding Mystery - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...)

I had taken on an attitude that it is not my problem to motivate the unmotivated student, be it in secular or Christian circles. I’ll just find those who are interested in having God’s will done in their lives, and then we’ll take it from there.

Chapter after chapter, I am compelled to reconsider many of my perceptions (most of them had been cast in stone after extensive teaching experience). I have caught a little of his seemingly bottomless passion to see students walk life face-to-face with the living God. The impartation of knowledge is simply the vehicle to see about revival.

In the religious-persecution-free society in Singapore, believers often feel no need for God or his commands. It is painful to see Christians and churches engage in self-sustaining and consumeristic practices. The only time we want to follow in his ways, is when we demand that he answers our prayers and solve our problems. As I closed the book, tears welled up in my eyes and my heart was overwhelmed with a desire for revival - to be part of a gospel community of continually repented and loving believers. The catalyst would have to start with me, because having counted the cost, it would be crazy not to give up my life for such a cause as this.

For this to be a balanced review, I have to discuss what was not so fantastic.

There were some theological references that I was uncomfortable with. For example, his refer to the parable of the talents is tricky because in his parable Jesus used 'talents' in the context of money, not to refer to a person's giftedness (p408-409). He also has to explain (p420-432) in what way is the prophet Nathan like a teacher before he can use that as a starting base for the section on revival. Thankfully these theological ambiguity came toward the end of the book and not at the beginning, otherwise students who are hermeneutically wired may be quickly (and wrongly) dismiss that the book is filled with eisegetical assertions.

These errors do not subtract from the message Wilkinson is trying to impart to us readers. We receive from what he is gifted in, and that is teaching. For a more meaty theological diet, one can simply read this book in conjunction with a more scholarly and biblical title.

On the topic of teaching, this has to be one of the first books I would recommend to teachers.

[Latonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you think you are a good teacher but your students aren't learning anything, you need to read this book. As a teacher it is our responsibility to teach, help and encourage our students to be their best. Teaching for so many is just a job for a pay check. Whether you are a school teacher or a Sunday school teacher, this book will help you see the value of your students and your true role in their lives. You can't truly teach if you don't care.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really applicable, specific, and helpful if you are teaching in any capacity. It's easy to use as a reference book as well, and Wilkinson even gives some pointers on how to do this in the introduction if you don't want to read this herculean book! It's a bit dense, a lot repetitive, but it's point is to make you into a better teacher, and I can only say that it is the only book of its kind that does that.

[Frank Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that has been well thought out and researched. So, why did I not give it a higher rating? For reasons that I will elaborate on below. First, the structure of the book is more formulaic than I am comfortable with. This does not make the author wrong. Rather, it makes me cautious and reminds me of those purpose-driven books by Rick Warren (which also had me concerned). This being said, many or even most of those formulaic suggestions were excellent and undoubtably useful in many, but not all, situations. Second, the book’s title and sub-title suggest that the book is relevant for any form of teaching, but this is not the case. The author is presuming that the teacher is teaching at an evangelical Christian seminary or perhaps adult education in a church. Too many of his suggestions do not apply for many classroom environments. Third, the author seems to presume that everyone works in a society that is still culturally evangelical Christian. While this may well be true in the southern states of the USA (where the author is from), it is certainly not the case in the majority of the world. So, in summary – the book is filled with excellent material. But, unless you are teaching biblical topics to Christian students, all of the tables, and structures outlined in the book may not be applicable.

[Teresa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read The Seven Laws of the Learner by Bruce H. Wilkinson in 1990. My late husband and I moved to San Diego county the summer of 1989 to expand his business. I entered my first child in first grade in the San Diego public school. The public school was in a crisis that lasted for decades, the experts tried desperatly to solve the situation. In addition, my first grader struggled to learn. I volunteered in the schools, but the problems were beyond what I was able to understand. I pulled my first grader out of school during Christmas vacation and started home schooling in January. I did my research, attending home school events and discovered Wilkinson's books and applied them to teaching my child. Little by little I met other parents homeschooling their children and wanting to homeschool their children. I introduced Wilkinson's books into our homeschooling and began a regional homeschool group. After a few years of homeschooling and having a few more children I returned to the public school. The principles asked me to introduce Wilkinson's and my ideas into the public schools. My four children are all grown, were in gifted academic programs and successful adults. I began teaching recently at a Christian school and introducing Wilkinson's Laws of the Learner again.

[Jamey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of the most helpful, applicable, pivotal books I have read on teaching. The subtitle: “How to Teach Almost Anything to Practically Anyone”, had me thinking, “really?” However, Dr. Bruce Wilkinson was not just trying to sell a book with that claim. The Seven laws revealed in this book can revolutionize teaching.
Wilkinson is a Christian man, who works for a Christian company: Walk Thru the Bible. So each law is based in Scripture and encourages teaching the way our Lord Himself teaches: to change lives, not just to cover material.
Among other things, this book teaches teachers how to pique students’ interest, teach with students’ needs in mind, apply content relevantly, help students retain what they learn and more. “The Seven Laws of the Learner” urges teachers to wake up their passion for teaching the whole person, with a view of their future and eternity.
Whether you are a pastor, parent, Sunday school teacher, homeschool teacher or public school teacher, there are methods and inspirations here that are timeless and that work.
I recommend this book to anyone who is in the role of a teacher. It will change how you teach, most definitely.

[Anthony A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book if you are teaching a Bible study class or a Sunday school group of any sort or if you are a church team leader of any kind. As a high school math teacher, I found some good, helpful information that would apply to my math classes. As the leader of a group at my church, this book is very helpful. Highly recommended.

[Ronald J. Pauleus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great and challenging book. It was well written and I realized the weight laid on those who teach in any capacity to, "Teach as if everything depended on them." I want to teach so others can learn, remember and put the material into practice.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not enter the Sunday school class without it

I recommend this for all teachers, but especially Christians because of its spiritual emphasis. The section on revival is sobering. The author is, needless to say, a renowned teacher.

[Stanley Jebb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant, inspiring, challenging, yet practical book. Most ministers could benefit from it.

[Timothy Lenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-changing

Admittedly, this came to me when my mind was fertile ground. I’m convinced however that any teacher or preacher could read this is ANY season and be moved to growth in their teaching vocation. This is hands down the best book on teaching I have ever read.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on Biblical teaching methods. This book would probably be helpful for anyone involved in Christian ministry.

[Libromagno.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, transformative.

Oriented to teachers who want to transform their classes.

[Denise Asirifi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed - if followed maybe revolutionize the way we teach

[Chris Risley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book that gives the teacher a lot of ownership. The last 'Law of Revival' didn't seem to fit, but the first 6 were great (even if a few of the practical suggestions were a little dated.)

[Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing lessons for any teacher and for any learner.

[Adi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and highly recommended for every Christian teacher.

[Stennett Eberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book - revolutionizes your thoughts about teaching.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with a lot of helpful insights for teachers.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great lessons to teach you to more effectively and fervently teach truth!

[Bill Krafft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book demonstates how important attitude is to teaching. Wilkinson holds us accountable, rather has us hold ourselves accountable as teachers. It doesn't matter what is going on in the lives of our students. It is our responsibility as teachers to reach through, and even use that to motivate and enlighten our students. It is no longer acceptable to use that as an excuse for our poor teaching.

[Christopher Thrower · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for the Christian teacher. Regardless of whether you are a professional educator, or a Sunday School teacher, this book will expand your teaching.

Each of the seven laws is organized into two chapters. The first chapter is aimed at challenging your beliefs about a particular aspect of teaching. The second chapter follows up with practical ways to change your behavior, as a result of the change in your beliefs.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all teachers in the church. It never fails to challenge, inspire and encourage. My students who read it always have that "aha" moment when they realize the radical departure this is from most teaching they have done or witnessed. Still an excellent read after the fourth or fifth time.

[Thomas Kinsfather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wealth of information for teachers and communicators. Took me a while to read. Worth every minute.

[Alanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time I read this book I was a college freshman. Now I'm reading it as a 2nd grade teacher. I'm underlining A LOT!

[Isaac Bencomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

¿Estudiantes apáticos?
Cualquier maestro que se pregunta por qué sus clases tienen poca participación debería leer este libro

[Veda Sorrells]

Another book for another class. Very informative.

[Holmes CC New Arrivals]

(Goodman)