The Dirt on Learning

by Thom Schultz, Joani Schultz

Why do some people seem to accept, retain, and apply God's Word while others seem virtually unmoved? The authors point to Jesus' parable of the sower - it's all in having the proper soil. The offer practical tips to identify the soil and barriers to growth in each area of teaching.

206 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[booklady]

Read this years ago and I know I culled ideas from it. Found it again when cleaning and straightening bookshelves. Flipped through it and saw it might be helpful for a friend who is struggling with Zoom training for her Confirmation Class. Having had two teens go through Confirmation as well as being a sponsor for two more, I know that it can be very difficult to motivate young people at this age. Add the additional layer of distance learning to that equation and I cannot even imagine what my friend is having to deal with.

While I was skimming the book, reading sections at random, I found principles which might help anyone trying to engage students present or from a distance*; some were even illustrated by examples. Here they are: 1) Creativity is great, but should not used isolated from facts and vice versa; 2) Don't obscure understanding with puzzles; 3) Use plain language and explain what words mean; and 4) Use good questions to deepen understanding. Jesus loved questions and His are the best examples.

The book goes on to discuss different types of intelligence, creating a learner-based environment (n/a for distance learning), the importance of emotions, families and the dangers of rewards, bribes, and competition. Basically it showed how things I did as a catechist and a homeschool mom were wrong. Other concepts I did employ... Was it because I read them here? I wish I could remember and say for sure.

The author has very good points and I will pass the book on to my friend for her thoughts. The title is somewhat pun-ish as the book's theme is The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23) but also found in Mark and Luke.

*There was one exercise (involving ripping up/reassembling a paper doll as unkind/kind words were said) I really liked, however, it needed to be done as a group in a group.

[Wayne R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found pp.56-58 worth the entire cost of the book - a discussion on "Different Kinds of Smart". Chief learnings were on the science of how the brain processes information. In my estimation the final section was a bit weak, as though the authors found themselves running out of steam. Over all, the need to move away from viewing the learner as a passive recipient to active learner - again in my estimation - was the strangest point. Highly recommended for anyone interested in making a difference as we teach in the church.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid read all the way to the end but disappointed with the conclusion. It seemed to me that the authors ran out of steam.