Teach Ye Diligently
By Boyd K. Packer
Synopsis: This is an instructional book about how to be an effective teacher. It is geared towards teachers of the Gospel, but is also widely applicable to parents and any kind of teacher. It was written by Boyd K. Packer, an apostle who had been a Seminary teacher and who was a PhD in Education. The book, including its first edition (i.e. 1975) cover, was also illustrated by Elder Packer, who was also a talented artist.
Strong Points: This book is an enjoyable read. The chapters are short, clear, and instructive, with examples and illustrations. And the illustrations are very nicely done, by the way—Elder Packer was a man of true talent (and that is coming from someone with artistic talent himself). At times the book is humorous. Above all, it is very practical. The reader will find many nuggets of sound, practical advice about teaching. The chapters cover a variety of topics and the book seems to contain the gamut of basic teaching situations that the reader might expect to encounter. Much of the book focuses on how Jesus Christ taught, using him as the great model. The book also contains a few chapters about Liberal Mormons and their poisonous effect upon the minds of people in the Church (see the consecutive chapters, “The Destroyers” and “What Students Should Know About Destroyers of Faith”). It is also a very spiritual work, and the reader draws from the personality, character, integrity, boldness, and humility of the writer, something of the spirit of Elder Packer and his reverence for sacred things. You feel like you have a connection with him after reading this book. If you are a teacher in the Church, or in any capacity, you would benefit from reading Teach Ye Diligently.
Weak Points: There wasn’t anything in the book that seemed to immediately apply to those who are afflicted with nervousness or stage fright when it comes to teaching a crowd. It seems that this book had a perfect opportunity to address what is a rather common obstacle to effective teaching, but it was left untreated. This apparent oversight would have been an excellent addition to the book, and fit well with its practical and helpful nature.
Interesting: 4.0/5
Must Read: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Pages: 329
Selected Quote: “Among the myriad of things that can be successfully taught is the art of teaching. There are certain principles that apply to the teaching of, or the learning of, almost any subject. In teaching we find what might be called tricks to the trade. Some of these techniques are little things that anyone can do; others need to be studied and practiced. But with many of these techniques, it is enough for us just to have them pointed out. We need to be alerted to those things that successful teachers do, for they may well mean the difference between success and failure. Certainly they will make us much better teachers.” (p. 2).