Introduction
Take a moment to reflect on what you have learned during this course. Reflecting like this is a key part of the Learning Model. When you ponder and prove, you internalize learning through reflection and then application. When you take the time to ponder and prove the principles you have learned, the Holy Ghost is invited into the learning process. This spiritual connection is referred to by Elder Kim B. Clark in a talk titled Deep Learning and Joy in the Lord. Consider the following excerpt:
The learning that leads to joy is deep learning in the doctrine of Jesus Christ, and it must be done in the Lord’s way. Deep learning is learning of the whole soul—the mind, the heart, the body, and the immortal spirit. Deep learning increases the student’s power to do three things, which are as following:
- Know and understand
- Take effective, righteous action
- Become more like our Heavenly Father
Elder Kim B. Clark
As this course concludes, you are invited to continue the process of deep learning. Doing so can help you find joy and continued development as you fulfill your mission upon the Earth.Review
To help you continue deep learning, you will reflect on the principles in this course and make two commitments. This is done in the application activity due this week.
Before you begin the last assignment, review and ponder the topics discussed throughout the semester. Consider which ones stand out to you the most. Go back and quickly look through some of the lessons. This will help you decide what to commit.
- Week 1: Introduction to PathwayConnect
- Week 2: Learning how to Learn
- Week 3: Time Management and Goals
- Week 4: Thinking Errors
- Week 5: Financial Stewardship
- Week 6: Perseverance
- Week 7: Deep Learning
Education and the Struggle for Perfection
In this article excerpt, Clark G. Gilbert, former President of BYU Pathway Worldwide, discusses four student types. As you read it, consider how each of these student types can become more converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and create the kind of deep learning spoken of by Elder Clark.
All over the world, there are students struggling with their education. They struggle to know who they are; they struggle to know what is expected of them. However, they may not realize that they are also struggling to have a true conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
"President Henry B. Eyring taught that "conversion brings a drive to learn." As such, education is an important part of our spiritual progression—it is a “[mighty] struggle for perfection” that allows us to improve our lives, provide for our families, and serve those around us.
The adversary tries to prevent and corrupt the sacred opportunities we have to get an education. I would like to share four types of students who struggle in their academic path and some ways they can overcome their challenges to achieve a deeper conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Doubter
Doubters understand the value and blessings of education, but do not think those blessings apply to them. They are the students who say, “I can’t do that,” or “I’m just not a math person.” Perhaps because of past educational struggles, or the negativity and criticism of others, these students feel incapable of learning and improving. While these challenges are real and difficult, students can learn to resist and overcome these feelings of self-doubt.
Part of overcoming doubt is learning who you are and understanding your potential. Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “You have the potential to become anything you set your mind to.” It often requires you to surround yourself with people who will believe in you. Another way to overcome doubt is to not be paralyzed by the risk of failure—if you try your best, I promise the Lord will make up the difference.
If you struggle with doubt, I invite you to believe in yourself, do your best, and never give up when you struggle.
The Student with Misplaced Zeal
Students with misplaced zeal do not see the connection between getting a formal education and other righteous endeavors in life. This can be found in women who don’t view education as important as their future roles as mothers. It can be found in men who do not see their educations as a purposeful work compared to Church callings or other priesthood responsibilities.
These students need to know that although Church service and parenting are two very important roles, the Lord still expects more from them. Education can be meaningful and spiritually uplifting—but only if you know that what you are studying conforms to the will of the Lord, and if you consecrate your educational efforts to Him. If you do this, your education will prepare you to excel in all your roles—whether in the workplace, at home, or in Church callings.
While contemplating your goals for the future, please ponder how you can consecrate your knowledge, skills, and educational experiences to God.
The Student Who Is Going It Alone
These students tend to walk the path of education slowly, with little commitment or direction. They view their academic experience with some indifference and are happy simply to just get by. Oftentimes, these students do not understand that although earning a degree is a great accomplishment, the Lord will still require their work and effort for many years after school.
Getting an education is just one step in the larger plan our Father in Heaven has prepared for His children. By committing themselves more to their education, these students will be able to grow in their studies, families, and service to God.
The Basic Survivor
Students in this category work very hard—perhaps 60, 70, or even 80 hours a week. They are so busy, they convince themselves they cannot pursue an education. “I can’t work on my education right now,” they say. “I’ve got too much going on. I’m working too much.”
The problem for these students is that they will be stuck working that same job, and making the same amount of money, forever. For these students, there is no future. It reminds me of a story Elder Savin told about a boy who never unrolled his sleeping bag because he didn’t want to roll it up again in the morning. All night long, the boy froze in his tent simply because he was trying to save himself 5 minutes of work.
To these students, I promise that if you will spend the time now to educate yourself, to develop your mind, to get a credential, or to acquire a skill, it will bless you for the rest of your life. Those blessings are worth the time.
Conclusion
It is possible that many students see part of themselves in one or more of the examples I have given. I hope they see those challenges as wonderful opportunities to deepen their conversion and commitment to the Lord.
Although it may seem difficult, I am confident that students can do it. They can press forward in their struggle for perfection, and as they do, they will lay down a foundation of improvement, growth, and development that will bring many blessings to them and their families for many years to come."
W07 Gathering Prep
What will you do this week, in preparation for the gathering, to exemplify the Learning Model principle of “Teach One Another?” Review your notes before your gathering this week. Deep learning involves (a) knowing and understanding, (b) taking effective righteous action and (c) becoming more like our Heavenly Father. At your gathering this week take the opportunity to demonstrate or share one of these principles of deep learning.
After reading this lesson, ponder the following questions. If desired, record your thoughts in a learning journal.
- In what ways are you like one or more of the student types above?
- How you might overcome some of these challenges?
- How can having the Holy Ghost as a partner in your education help?
Ponder and Record
As you review the material above, please consider the following questions and record some of your thoughts in your learning journal:
- In what ways are you like one or more of the student types above?
- How you might overcome some of these challenges?
- How can having the Holy Ghost as a partner in your education help?