We know from research that students actually learn more from teachers that they actually LIKE ~ especially in Junior High, High school, and College. We also know that first impressions are critical in establishing likeability early in a relationship. . . so, today is the first full-day of classes here at Bethel College. Keeping those two things in mind – what am I going to do today. . .?

1. I decide first and foremost that I am always going to choose to influence rather than impress

   – this means that I am going to try as hard as I can to establish my credibility through authentic honesty rather than put on the facade of perfection

2. I remember that I am me. . . no one else. . . just me. . . my strengths and my weaknesses, because you know what. . . all of my students yearn desparately to be themselves. . . with their strengths and weaknesses. . . wishing that were enough to be accepted.  If they see it in me first – there is a greater chance that over the next four months they will entertain the possibility that the way God made them is not a mistake, it IS good enough, and being authentic to their shape is the fastest way grow true community.

3. I establish relevancy of my material

   – Memory research clearly has shown that people will not remember much if anything at all unless it can relate somehow to their own life story. Our brains are wired up to remember things that are beneficial to us, so I must establish that through teaching my content through their context. . . and yes. . . that IS hard to do, but. . .STEP IT UP,  I have decided that the measuring stick of my vocation is not what I teach, but what THEY LEARN – so I work hard. . . it is worth it!

4. I invite God to do His thing. I show this video (“fix you” – the link below) developed a couple of years ago, by my very talented friend Corey Mann, and follow it up with open-ended questions to get them talking like What stood out to you? Why would I, a psychologist, show you that – and then just listen to the work that the real TEACHER is doing. . .

VIDEO BELOW

Fix you

I am off to teach . . . YIPEEEEE!!