A Discussion of Elder
Jay Jensen’s Education
Week Talk
August, 2011
D&C 88: 122
 Elder Jensen gleans 5 principles of teaching and learning
from this scripture. Any thoughts on what they might be?
1. a teacher is appointed and recognized as such by the learners
2. teaching and discussion are governed by order and reverence
3. what is discussed or said revolves around divine doctrines or
truths
4. those who are not speaking have a duty to actively listen
5. both teacher and the listener or learner participate respectively
to invite the spirit
Most teachers spend most of
their time on “The How”
Elder Jensen suggest there should be a balance in the
pyramid.
What implications does that suggestion have for the
teaching of mathematics?
Elder Packer
“True doctrines understood changes attitude and behavior
more than the teaching of behavior will change behavior.”
How is this related to the teaching of mathematics?
 When the teacher improvement program was redone,
they realized that the concept of learning was relegated
to the backseat of teaching. The February 2007
worldwide broadcast was developed to put learning in
its proper role. This same emphasis on learning is
evident in the new “Teaching, No Greater Call” and in
the new Handbook 2.
 How does this focus on learning relate to our teaching
of mathematics?
Teaching No Greater Call
“I consider it one of the finest books on education
anywhere.”
“Pay particular attention to section 5: Basic Principles of
Gospel Teaching: Inviting Diligent Learning”
 How do we “invite diligent learning”
I am becoming a diligent
learner when …
 I am teachable and want to learn
 I study, search, ponder and liken the scriptures to myself and my circumstances
 I ask questions and listen to both what is said by the teacher and not said verbally by
others but by the spirit to me
 I do not resent correction or instruction
 I stay at it and demonstrate persistence
 I observe others, especially the example and counsel of older people
 I pray in specifics for myself and the teacher
 I retire early and arise early
 I write impressions
 I am a punctual, reverent listener in church meetings and at home
Elder Packer June 2007 Ensign
 “Parents and teachers need to provide opportunities for
others to participate, discuss, ask questions, and share
insights and experiences. Remember inspired
questions lead to inspired participation and revelatory
experiences.” (Elder Jay Jensen, August, 2011)
 What role does questioning play in the teaching of
mathematics?
 “Teaching settings are more successful when parents
make them relaxed, inclusive, expressive, and
engaging. Gospel learning that leads to edification at
home is more effective when it is more like a
conversation than another meeting.” (Elder Jay Jensen,
August, 2011)
 What does this suggest about the classroom norms
that you establish?
 The comment "we must hurry on to cover all of the
material" indicate a type of teaching. “Those who teach
in this way do not allow us to act rather we are being
acted upon. Increasing our exercise of agency as
teachable learners increases our spiritual growth.
Agency is central to authorize the Holy Ghost to edify
or instruct.” (Elder Jay Jensen, August, 2011)
 How is your role as a teacher related to the agency that
he is talking about here?