Lesson V: How to Question a Class

752 IMPROVEMENT ERA the canyon, and thirsty on the desert where water there was none, but "Mormonism" was true, and Joseph Smith was that mighty Prophet of the living God. In this fair city, I have gazed on the faces of the dead; yes, when the soul was filled with sorrow and disappointment, with fond hopes shattered, yet "Mormonism" was true, and Joseph Smith was sent of God. In my missionary travels, I have staggered and reeled on the stormtossed deck, and clung to the quivering masts when the fierce winds whistled through rigging and sails, and the waves rolled mountain high, and the sky and waves seemed to meet and kiss each other, until it looked like all would be lost in the watery grave, when strong men feared and stout hearts quailed, yet I knew that "Mormonism" was true and Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. God bless you, my brethren. Lessen V. How to Question a Class. In all teaching much depends upon the skill used in questioning a class. If the teacher can question well, one can wager that the class recitation will be interesting and instructive. A class leader should never ask questions which can be answered by yes or no. Nor should a question be suggestive of the answer. A good question is thought-stimulating, and therefore should be one that will cause the members to reason on the subject under discussion. A question should not be answered immediately, if it is a thought-stirring one. Time should be given, and yet tact used so that the recitation will not drag. For a teacher to ask good questions, it takes careful thought and planning. He should ask himself whether or not his questions challenged the thought of the class; whether they were clear and to the point. If the teacher's questions are stimulating, depend upon it, the members of the class will begin to ask questions. If the questions are well organized and planned, the class will respond with enthusiasm, and the subject matter of the lesson will be made clear as a consequence. Let all class teachers think about the following definite suggestions: 1. Call upon each member of the class at least once during the evening. 2. If a brother fails to answer a question, give him another trial at the same question during the recitation. 3. Help the one who is likely to fail, by suggestion. He will answer the question in his way, and it might be helpful to all. It certainly will help him. 4. Always ask the question before designating the one to answer it. 5. Get various answers to a question and compare them. 6. Make each question clear and to the point. 7. Ask questions that are thought-stimulating and that cause the members to reason on the subject in hand. 8. Never discourage any one in his answer. Remember you are dealing with your brethren. They want to contribute something to the lesson. If their answers are obscure, try to catch their meaning, and encourage them to answer again.