Teaching by example (written in the 1980s)
When I was in medical school they taught us the way to
learn. It was a simple formula: See
one, Do one, Teach one.
First we see something done, then we do it ourselves, then
we teach someone to do it and then we master the subject.
When my wife Alice was teaching seminary the teenager
students were not understanding why the parents do things the way they do. She said, “You will treat your children the
way you were treated and do things the way your parents do unless you make a
conscious and sustained effort to change.”
The reason for this is that example is a powerful teacher,
probably more powerful than we really realize.
I once attended a leadership-training seminar. The man was trying to teach his daughter. She responded teach me the concept and give
me an example then I can solve the problem.
This is the way the gospel works we teach correct principles and then
show an example and then let people do what they have learned. The Suzuki method of teaching music is by
repeated example. Hear the music played, play it yourself, and then teach
someone else to play the same piece.
We wait for people to give us an example of their feelings
and beliefs before we act. If the other
person leads out with their actions and gives us an example we are more sure to
follow them than if we must wait for the initiative to come from us. Everyone waits for us to do what we are
supposed to do. We reinforce our
behavior otherwise we are disappointed.
A recent example that comes to mind is; the Catholics believe that in
the Lenten season they should fast.
This means refraining from eating meat on Friday, but they still eat,
just not meat. We had two couples that
were Catholics that ate with us last week. When we explained the way we fasted
by not eating or drinking for 24 hours once a month and give the money for the
food as an offering to the poor. Their response was, ‘you fast like the old
Jews’. They probably will not change the way they fast even though the example was
given, they did not believe the principle.
Christ taught by example.
A parable is an example to illustrate principles taught. Christ used his own life and stories from
life around him as an example to teach.
He used example to reinforce the teachings or principles. We remember
the example long after the teaching.
The example must be one we can relate to. If we faithfully go to the temple and do
family history work, we will not teach our nonmember neighbor anything. The example is there but it doesn't mean
anything to the nonmember. There are
some things we can never teach by example they have to be taught by precept and
accepted first.
Now my grandchildren,You should not only be a good example, but teach correct principles.
Love,
Grandpa
