Starting a BLOG is probably the singularly biggest mistake of my life. I mean, if I write what I really think, somebody might not like me! But I enjoy reading other people's blogs and commenting (albeit occasionally).
So, you ask, "Why Gary McDuda"? I'm glad you asked.
I love to teach, and especially teaching the Bible, but not just to give facts. I want people to think and learn for themselves. I try to teach for life change. I try never to tell someone something that they can learn or figure out for themselves. So I ask a lot of questions. Actually, that's about all I do. I usually answer a question with another question. Drives people nuts. I don't care. If I just give them the answer, they don't really learn anything. And they don't think. See The Role of Questions .
John Milton Gregory in his book The Seven Laws of Teaching says:
In Spanish, when someone has a question, they often say "Quiero que me saques una duda". Which means literally means "I want you to remove a doubt from me." Or, for you dynamic equivalence fans, "I have a question." Ha! If they only knew!! (You think have questions now, wait till I get done with you!)
I usually tell them "I don't answer questions, I just ask them" and they give me this quizzical look, because, after all, aren't teachers supposed to teach?
¡Yo no saco dudas, las siembro! Which means "I don't remove dudas, I sow them!"
Anyhow, that's how I became known as Gary McDuda.
Aren't you glad you asked?
So, you ask, "Why Gary McDuda"? I'm glad you asked.
I love to teach, and especially teaching the Bible, but not just to give facts. I want people to think and learn for themselves. I try to teach for life change. I try never to tell someone something that they can learn or figure out for themselves. So I ask a lot of questions. Actually, that's about all I do. I usually answer a question with another question. Drives people nuts. I don't care. If I just give them the answer, they don't really learn anything. And they don't think. See The Role of Questions .
John Milton Gregory in his book The Seven Laws of Teaching says:
The true function of the teacher is to create the most favorable conditions for self-learning...True teaching, then, is not that which GIVES knowledge, but that which stimulates pupils to GAIN it. One might say that he teaches BEST who teaches LEAST (chapt 6)The above quote is also found in a great little book on teaching by Howard Hendricks Teaching to Change Lives.
In Spanish, when someone has a question, they often say "Quiero que me saques una duda". Which means literally means "I want you to remove a doubt from me." Or, for you dynamic equivalence fans, "I have a question." Ha! If they only knew!! (You think have questions now, wait till I get done with you!)
I usually tell them "I don't answer questions, I just ask them" and they give me this quizzical look, because, after all, aren't teachers supposed to teach?
¡Yo no saco dudas, las siembro! Which means "I don't remove dudas, I sow them!"
Anyhow, that's how I became known as Gary McDuda.
Aren't you glad you asked?
posted by Gary McDuda at 8:05 PM
5 Comments:
So I followed the Pharoah over here. As a future teacher, I couldn't agree more with your philosophy. Lots of questions, tons of questions, nothing better! I'm in two different classes (here at college) where I am taught how to get kids to ask questions. I understand the importance of it and I must say that I look forward to reading more!
shouldn't your first sentence then read:
"was starting a blog the biggest mistake of my life?"
(did you notice i even stated that in question form?)
(or that i did it again?)
R.P. Why would I want to tick someone off? Are you crazy?
Are you trying to encourage me by reminding my that the whole world (minus the 6 without internet access) can read my posts? Did you even read the links I posted?
And what makes you think I am only talking about diagnostic questions?
vikermac, you seem like such a nice guy...why are you friends of the Pharoah? Is he part of your ministry?
danny2, are you always this mean? I mean, don't you like me? ***sniff sniff*** Can't you see that this was a difficult decision for me? You DO like me don't you?
or is it that since i liked your post, i commented?
(can i blame gary that after reading his first post i find myself compelled to only ask questions and not state things when commenting?)
Is that Danny guy serious? Is he only asking questions?
Oh goodness, he's got me doing it too...it's spreading! Actually Gary, R.P. is part of my ministry, but I'm actually learning by example from him. He's the pastor at my church back home, so when he dispense internet advice for millions to read, I tend to listen. Thus, I came here, and he was right, so far it's been a good read. Looking forward to more, thanks for the kind words.
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