"The Purpose of Institute"

When Dr. Lowell S. Bennion (our mission
president's father) helped found and teach at the Institute of Religion near the University of Utah over a quarter-century ago, he encouraged several important aspects of student life - congregating, socializing, eating, and studying the gospel.

We so agree - as do our students!

Quiet times at class are 1) student's personal preparation to teach and 2) eating. Often, these two take place at the same time.

A Fresh Approach

One of our most successful experiences teaching was last week. We planned and prepared very carefully for chapters 10-16 in Matthew and informed the students what a wonderful lesson it would be - because they would be teaching it!

It was spectacular! Each student had his or her own scriptures and a single page of supplemental material and quotes which we prepared. The guidelines were that they would read their chapter heading, summarize important chapter details, tell in what year of the Savior's life that chapter fell, provide insight and enlightenment on a point of doctrine or gospel principle, involve class members, and bear testimony.

The spirit was at work even in the silence during the 15-minute preparation time. Each presentation was remarkable - informative, concise, individual. Each "teacher" involved others, asking questions, discussing feelings, meanings, developing ideas and bearing testimony.

These same scenarios were repeated at the US Merchant Marine Academy, Stony Brook University and the Bay Shore Ward throughout the week with great variation in presentation but equally satisfying in result.

What happened in those classrooms last week was exactly what we would describe as "real teaching." We were all "fed" in every way!