Extra Teaching Experiences for the Missionaries

I'm working on autonomy project and these things are related to PI, so I thought I'd also post these ideas here.


With working with the TRC we have tried some fun things in our zone....


Some things we've tried thus far:

• We've had teachers teach a TRC investigator in the TRC room and channeled the feed into the classroom where a resource could comment during the lesson and discuss with the missionaries. 
• We set up additional teaching experiences during class (during PI time having an additional TRC investigator as an option twice a week - a resource can observe and give feedback...)
• Talked to and about TRC investigators as an example ( They are always walking around, talk to them and get to know them! When you talk to them, feel free to introduce them as a person to the missionaries. Help them see the opportunities all around them!)
• Let the missionaries know who the gold tags are. In the district Sean and I taught, I discussed with the district who those people are. I was able to share personal experiences I've had with the investigators. (Let them know many are real! An investigator was baptized last month, and some are also close.) Encourage them to BE missionaries. Talk to them at every opportunity - they are outside, in the cafeteria, etc. (Use their planning and key indicators, goals, finding , etc.) A great experience was seeing a set of our sisters explaining to me about the 6 lessons they'd taught that day. They are teaching short lessons throughout the day and setting up multiple follow-up appointments.

You can use this resource in so many ways! There are several more ways we've thought about trying but haven't implemented yet too! If you try these post below your experience or if you have more ideas post them too!!!


Please check out my autonomy project as well because there are some more exciting things there with this topic!!!

Team,

We have recently asked some of our TRC staff who are paid "investigators" to walk around campus and interact with missionaries. These interactions provide opportunities for missionaries to have conversations with others who are playing the role of a non-member. In fact, we have several who are not members of the Church. The early reports are that missionaries are thrilled with these opportunities and learn much from these unscripted interactions.

The TRC staff will wear gold name tags that have "INVESTIGATOR" on it and the person's first name. (Get it, golden investigators!) They have been asked to use the name tag at all times on campus. When they enter the building where they will be meeting with missionaries (e.g. 4M, 11M, or 18M) they may remove the name tag.

Please inform your staff and colleagues of this new arrangement. If you have any questions you may contact Daryl Glazier or Shaun Nelson.

Richard 

Hey, so here are a few thoughts on the new PI setup:

• The missionaries are much more willing to use the plan, study, teach cycle. They want to practices on their own and be as prepared as possible for their lessons. 

• The missionaries feel like their needs are being accommodated. One Elder with ADHD that learns by doing can teach every single block, while a pair of sisters that are very cautious can go in every two blocks feeling really good about their lesson plan. 

• Though this may be somewhat unrealistic in regard to the mission field, it helps them have meaningful experiences in their lessons which is the purpose of the activity in a lot of ways. 
• Some may be afraid to teach, and it's important to not force them into it but help them realize its a learning experience. They usually do the bare minimum until they understand this. 

So far I don't think we have any companionships that are using it as an excuse to underperform and be acted upon, however I'll let you know if it happens. 

PIE

Progressing Investigator Experience!
So we have had some amazing experiences as the new way of administering progressing investigator has changed. This appears to be becoming the new area standard! As the group that first test this change, what feedback do we have to give for those who will do this on Thursday? How can progressing investigator better fit into the plan study teach cycle activity on Thursday? How can the logistics work their way out a little smoother? Now that you have done it once, what will you do differently this next time?

Coaching Studies

So just a brief thought I had tonight while observing another teacher...

This activity should be treated like it is, an activity. I guess I have never noticed much, but our manual shows it having an explain and evaluate portion. Let missionaries know this is a time to improve their studies, let them act, guide them as needed, and then let/help them evaluate to see how they have improved their studies, and/or set goals for future improvement.

Oh I love it when new things like this stand out! Please share your thoughts! I want more!

It's Not As Easy As It Looks

Sometimes it's nice to be confident that you're missionaries aren't drawing pictures of the Kool Aid man while you're doing PI. It's also comforting to know that being taught isn't going to be another 15 minutes of day dreaming about that nice Papa John's pizza you have waiting in your living room after work today. As much as we all love Kool Aid and PJ's, it's better to have missionaries that have legit studies and teaching.