The learning model at BYU-Idaho is very new and strange to me. It’s a different system of learning that I feel puts more responsibility on the students. Going through high school o would never have thought that I would be teaching my peers, nor they teaching me. But the learning model’s aspect of teaching allows students to do just that. The student now has the roles of a teacher and a learner. The first role and responsibility of a teacher is being prepared. The teacher needs to know what is being taught and they need to organize it in a way where it can seem clear to a learner. The teacher has to be able to be available to the learner if the learner needs help or more assistance. The teacher must also create an environment where the spirit can be felt and learning can take place. The first role of the learner is to also be prepared. The learner needs to know what he/she will need to have ready for the next coming class. The learner must know what assignments need to be completed also. The learner then needs to be focused and willing to learn once at class. The student must also participate in class. This allows them to gain more understanding of what is being taught. The student must then teach other students. The student must also take upon himself or herself the responsibility to succeed. The student cannot blame anyone for his or her own failures.
Another unique characteristic about the BYU-Idaho learning model is the calling upon faith for learning. This is such a powerful tool that can be used in the classroom. Through faith, I know that I prepare myself, and work as hard as I can, that I will be taken care of by Heavenly Father. I can seek learning by faith by seeking inspiration. I can also seek by learning by faith through doing what I need to be doing. If I doing what is right my spirit and testimony will grow. By this I can be an example to my peers and be better prepared to help teach them. As President Clark said, faith can lead a student to “step out beyond the light they already possess, to speak, to contribute, and to teach one another. It is precisely in that moment of faith that the ‘calling up’ and ‘linking’ of personal effort to the Spirit occurs. It is in that moment that the Spirit teaches.
As a class we can demonstrate we are willing to be taught by the spirit by opening each class with a prayer. This allows the presence of the savior to be felt and it allows a reverent attitude to be felt during the class. If we do this, then we can understand that the spirit of the Holy Ghost does true teaching. We can also demonstrate that we are willing and ready to learn by being prepared for class. By showing our real desire and interest of learning we will be able to feel the Holy Ghost’s presence.
The learning model may seem a little strange to other schools, but I feel it is a perfect fit for BYU-Idaho and for myself. I’m glad I will be able to take part in such a spiritual way of learning. I know that the learning model will help me be able to achieve my goals while at BYU-Idaho.
