Teaching

[AmericanRose]

I was Confirmed this past May, and now I help (with several other of my classmates who were Confirmed also) teach the Confirmation 1 and 2 classes at my parish. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can be more effective, and actually get them to listen and take in the knowledge, and not just “in one ear out the other”? they are all a year or two younger than me. I did a talk over Mass, and the Real Presence, and while they were all looking at me, they didn’t seem to get anything out of it.

 

[pianistclare]

I was Confirmed this past May, and now I help (with several other of my classmates who were Confirmed also) teach the Confirmation 1 and 2 classes at my parish. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can be more effective, and actually get them to listen and take in the knowledge, and not just “in one ear out the other”? they are all a year or two younger than me. I did a talk over Mass, and the Real Presence, and while they were all looking at me, they didn’t seem to get anything out of it.

How old are you? Did the DRE ask you to teach the class?
It
s possible that they are just typical non=listening very well teens, or it’'s possible that they don’t see you as much more knowledgeable than them, or it’s possible that they can’t pay much attention fro more than 10 min at a time.

A dynamic presentation has various elements:
not a lecture
possible illustrations (powerpoint. but keep it brief)
Q & A
examples of application to their lives
personal testimony
a eye-catching video clip (Busted Halo has some great ones)
and don’t drone on and on. .
Breaks every 15 minutes to another activity. (writing, small group sharing, or just stretching)

How long are the classes?
Do they include dinner if late at night?
Are the classes divided by various topics?
What is the overall plan?

Sorry for so many questions, but we have a team of adults who cover 12 topics over 7 sessions. We really get into Confirmation rep. It’s very rewarding. .

 

[Irishmom2]

How old are you? Did the DRE ask you to teach the class?
It
s possible that they are just typical non=listening very well teens, or it’'s possible that they don’t see you as much more knowledgeable than them, or it’s possible that they can’t pay much attention fro more than 10 min at a time.

A dynamic presentation has various elements:
not a lecture
possible illustrations (powerpoint. but keep it brief)
Q & A
examples of application to their lives
personal testimony
a eye-catching video clip (Busted Halo has some great ones)
and don’t drone on and on. .
Breaks every 15 minutes to another activity. (writing, small group sharing, or just stretching)

How long are the classes?
Do they include dinner if late at night?
Are the classes divided by various topics?
What is the overall plan?

Sorry for so many questions, but we have a team of adults who cover 12 topics over 7 sessions. We really get into Confirmation rep. It’s very rewarding. .

Our parish used to hsve kids from the previous year help, but not unsupervised, including speaking on a topic, the next year’s class. All part of a year of giving back in service they sign up for before they are confirmed. Some become lectors, ushers or help with confirmation class.

 

[pianistclare]

Our parish used to hsve kids from the previous year help, but not unsupervised, including speaking on a topic, the next year’s class. All part of a year of giving back in service they sign up for before they are confirmed. Some become lectors, ushers or help with confirmation class.

Right.
I’m sure this person is doing their best, but where are the adult certified catechists?
That’s really good of her to try to help/mentor the younger students. But I wouldn’t expect a young person to cover a topic. Maybe she will come back and explain further.
There are lots of experienced catechists here that can offer more tips as well.