In one of the first lessons of their first courses at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, the students are asked to reflect on their educational experience to date and list the top three qualities of “successful” teachers from their past. They’re also asked to come up with qualities of teachers that made their classes difficult to enjoy.

The top qualities of successful teachers, according to this year’s first-year seminarians:

1. Demonstrates care and consideration for students
2. Well-prepared
3. Provides a safe environment for asking questions
4. Makes class worthwhile—students will leave class knowing something new
5. Passion for the subject matter
6. Relates the material to the students’ present and future

The qualities that make a teacher hard to learn from:

1. Not challenging students to think critically
2. Unclear expectations and directions
3. Disorganized
4. Gives busy work
5. Arrogance or rudeness
6. Favoritism

One wonders how the students in our adult Bible studies would answer the question. Perhaps we can all find ways to improve when we look at both lists. In the end, we’re reminded that if we want to serve our students well, one way to do that is by asking them how we can serve them well.

Curriculum Connection

Last month’s teaching-related article focused on premarriage counseling. As you help your members build their marriages at the foot of the cross—and stay there throughout the ups and downs of married life—keep these helpful resources from NPH in mind as suggested reading material:

• Building the Christian Home: A Marriage Enrichment Manual
• 5-Minute Bible Studies: For Couples
• Growing Together in Christ: Marriage
• Marriage and Family: The Family Photo Album

This article in Devote Yourself was contributed by the team that previously created and distributed the e-newsletter, Teach the Word. For nearly ten years’ worth of archived teaching-related articles, tips, and advice, visit nph.net/teach-the-word.