Repetition as a Teaching Device
How do we teach in a brain friendly way so our learners will be more likely to recall the information? Five simple strategies will enable us to optimize memory formation. Last month we looked at chunking as one of those strategies. In this issue, we will look at why repetition plays such an important role in memory formation.



Dr. Rhoda Wolle is the Dean of Student Success and an Associate Professor of Education at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee. She teaches Educational Psychology in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. She received her BS in Secondary Education from Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN. At Marian University, Fond du Lac, WI, she was awarded an MA in Education with special emphasis on students. She earned her PhD in Educational Psychology from Capella University in Minneapolis, MN. Rhoda has spoken internationally to thousands of educators, parents, and teens on the topic of education. She is a member of St. Lucas Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, music, reading, sports, golf, sailing, and walking her dog Kipper.
They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.  Acts 5:42
Adult Education: Additum
Spaced Repetition

In the article linked below, Josette Akresh-Gonzales makes a strong case for spaced repetition. Though the article is directed toward students in medical school and is used to promote the sale of a learning program, the research-based article applies to all learners. It could influence the way we develop our lessons both for children and adults.

Teaching Toolbox
Repetition in Your Classes

This issue of Teach the Word addresses a teaching strategy aimed at insuring that students remember what you are teaching. The strategy involves repetition.

Let’s take a moment to think in practical terms of how we can use repetition in our confirmation or adult Bible study classes. 

Curriculum Connection
The Glory of Living Under the Cross

Many individuals and families in our congregations are hurting. Because we live in a sinful world, all families and all individuals face challenges. The solution to our challenges, the antidote for our hurts, is not found in the false hopes sown by the promoters of the theology of glory. The answer is found in the cross. In his Bible study “The Glory of Living Under the Cross,” Wayne Mueller reminds us that we believers do enjoy glory under the cross, but it is a hidden glory, an inner glory.

As we plan for the end of the church year, this could certainly be an appropriate study to put on the schedule. In view of the challenges faced by many of our brothers and sisters in Christ, the encouragement this study offers will always be appreciated.

Sample Leader's Guide: PDF
Sample Student Lesson: PDF | RTF


Teaching Tip

Take five minutes at the end of each class to ask students to summarize the ideas presented, to apply information to a new situation, or to write their reactions to the day's class. Doing so throughout the course can help you know what you can do to strengthen your teaching.
  Teach the Word  is a collaboration of Northwestern Publishing House,
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, and WELS Adult Discipleship.