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Bible Exploration Workbooks: Format

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Bible Exploration Workbooks The Format of the Workbooks   © Janet V. Payne, All Rights Reserved Revised February 22, 2002

The workbooks have been designed for self-study, study with a friend, a small group, or a formal class. A leader's guide will assist group leaders and teachers by providing details on interactive group work and adaptations for time contraints. Each element is linked to a set of examples taken from different lessons. If you would like more details on the following aspects of the workbook, email Janet. LOOK OVER the Text Objective: To build schema for the biblical text and thus aid comprehension Activities: Before reading the text, students scan for specific details or skim to determine the genre, purpose, organization, or gist of the text. These schema-building skills improve with practice, so as the workbook progresses, the scans increase in difficulty. Link to Examples   The Annotated Text The biblical text for each lesson is included in the workbook. It is double-spaced, and it is annotated with modern-day equivalents and vocabulary and background notes. The translation has not been set, but the current version has a combination of the New International Version of the Bible, published by the International Bible Society, 1982., and the Good News Bible: Today's English Version published by the American Bible Society, 1992.   LABEL the Text Objective: To enhance comprehension through observation Activities: This activity is a continuation of the observation of the text. Each lesson has a distinct task based on the features of that particular text. "To label" in this context is to mark the text, or to fill in a chart, map, or graphic with information from the text. Whatever the task, the answers are always found directly in the text. Link to Examples   LINK to the Text Objective: To incorporate outside resources, including the rest of scripture Activities: Observation questions go a long way in giving the reader a feel for the setting and mood of the situation described in the text. Occasionally, however, it is necessary to bring in additional information. The activities in this section "link" the text to quotes from the Old Testament, historical and cultural reference material, or annotations in the text itself. Link to Examples   LEARN from the Text Objective: To interpret the meaning of the biblical text and ponder its implications Activities: Meaning is discussed throughout the Bible study, but this section focuses on a few thought-provoking questions that explore the intended meaning, relationships between characters, and theological truths. These questions challenge the participants' thinking and perhaps their English, so they are limited in number but discussed at length. An emphasis is placed on the Divine and human authors' intentions rather than opinions about the issues, yet the group members are encouraged to interact honestly with what they read and to communicate their thoughts. Link to Examples   LIVE What you Learn Objective: To respond to the holy text: pondering its truthfulness, thinking through implied or stated admonitions, and then discussing how to put them into practice Discuss one of these questions: This is a time for people's opinions and reactions. It is also a time to discuss implications for living that arise from the text. In order to allow for comfortable exploration by non-Christians, there is usually a choice of questions: one which addresses a direct spiritual application and a second which explores a Christian value or attitude. Think about: A summary of the lesson and a personal spiritual challenge is offered at the end of the group time. It is usually read by the leader rather than discussed in class, but it leaves room for personal discussions at a later time. The Final Word: For those who want more of a challenge, each lesson concludes with a related Bible passage. There is no explanation, and some of the passages are difficult to understand--but worth the effort. Link to Examples   Background Papers Objective: Each lesson has a corresponding one-to-three-page background paper with a historical, cultural, theological or philosophical topic related to the lesson. Many of the topics have arisen from questions that students have asked in the past. Even language students will not find the reading difficult. Most of them can read at a higher level than they are able to articulate. Link to Examples   Community-Building Activities Objective: To develop a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, to build friendships, and to give everyone a chance to talk. Activities: Each lesson begins with a communicative activity. It may involve everyone together, but it is often with pairs or smaller groups. There are brief instructions for the students and ideas for the leaders. The activities correlate with the lessons, but they are in an appendix to give the leader flexibility in their use. Link to Examples   Audio CD Bruce Kuhn, who once acted on Broadway and has been around the world with a one-act show on the Gospel of Luke, has agreed to make an audio tape of the passages in Luke that are included in the workbook. We are still working on the details, but this will be a valuable asset to all participants, especially those learning English.   Leader's Guide The student workbook gives all the information necessary for self-study of the scriptures. The leader's guide will offer more detailed instructions, suggests interactive ways in which to group participants, and discusse the content, timing, setting, and format of the workbook. The guide will also address teaching issues such as working with people who have different language or ability levels, meeting with individuals outside of class, or handling sensitive topics. Additional resources for teachers and students will be available on this website.

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