How to Use Personal Learning Styles to Study Psalm 23
By Erin Ropelato
@seekthisjesusstudy
seekthisjesusstudy.com
The words of scripture, along with the words of living prophets, help us build connections and relationships with our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Reading, studying, pondering, and applying their words to our lives help us become women of faith and disciples of Jesus Christ.
Thousand of years ago, Nephi wrote, “For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.” (2 Nephi 31:3)
Nephi knew how the Lord spoke to him “according to [his] language”, in the way he learned best, through his personal learning styles.
In 1983, Howard Gardiner, a psychologist at Harvard University, identified eight learning styles. Gardiner taught that people learn and understand information best according to their personal learning styles. The eight learning styles in simple terms are Individual, Social, Hand-on, Book, STEM, Music, Nature, and Visual.
Nephi was shown in vision how to build a ship (Visual). Enos was out hunting in the woods when he was reminded of his father’s teachings about Jesus Christ (Nature). The woman at the well was doing her daily household chore of getting water when the Savior announced He was the Messiah (Hands-on). President Nelson, at the 2001 Youth Music Festival said, “I have used music to praise our Heavenly Father and to worship our Savior.” (Music)
Likewise, we all learn “after the manner of [our own] language” through personal learning styles. I have found that I learn and understand the scriptures better as I study according to my personal learning styles. Scripture study has become something I really enjoy and not something I feel like I have to do.
Scripture study and gospel study look different for each and every one of us. There isn’t one right way to build connection with God the Father, our Savior, and the Spirit. Each of us can use various learning styles to find joy in our gospel study and learn “according to [our] language”.
Here are several ways to read, study and learn from Psalm 23 using personal learning styles Each learning style also includes a short list of characteristics of each type of learner. Choose an idea or two to try as you learn how the Lord is your Shepherd.
SOCIAL LEARNERS (Thrive in group settings, empathize with others, teach others, and lead discussions)
-Study the role of a shepherd in Old Testament and New Testament times. Discuss with friends how Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
-Gather a group of women to study and discuss Psalm 23 together.
INDIVIDUAL LEARNERS (Seek time alone, self-reflection, pondering, and journaling)
-Ponder the Lord’s goodness and mercy in your life. Record your thoughts and feelings.
-Start a gratitude journal of how your “cup runneth over” (vs. 5).
HANDS-ON LEARNERS (Love movement, exercise, building things, and using the five senses)
-Listen to Psalm 23 while exercising.
-Make and wear a piece of jewelry to remind you of Psalm 23.
BOOK LEARNERS (Choose reading, writing, listening, speaking, and summarizing)
-Cross-reference words and phrases using the footnotes in Psalm 23.
-Read Psalm 23 from several different Bible versions, compare the wording, find additional meaning, etc. (KJV, NIV, ESV, etc.– available on biblehub.com)
STEM LEARNERS (Prefer science, technology, engineering, math, numbers, and organizing)
-Follow and write the scripture chain for “names sake” in verse 3
-Make a list of all the Lord’s promised blessings for us in Psalm 23 (promises to covenant Israel)
MUSIC LEARNERS (Appreciate music and rhythm while listening to, playing, performing, or composing music)
-Listen to or play several versions of “The Lord is My Shepherd”
-Write your own song or musical arrangement for Psalm 23
NATURE LEARNERS (Like animals, plants, caring for the Earth, and being outside)
-Listen to or read Psalm 23 while in nature (by a river, lake or pond)
-Find gospel analogies in nature found in Psalm 23
VISUAL LEARNERS (Enjoy art, design, photography, and movies)
-Create a piece of artwork for Psalm 23
-Study Psalm 23 in a wide margin Old Testament. Add artwork, quotes, doodling, and color as you read.
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