In the book Think Again, author Don Allsman provides practical ways to replace false thinking, which has been ingrained into our toxic thinking, with the transformational power of learning and retaining biblical truth. A powerful way of replacing the false things we have learned with the real truth is to understand how the learning theory of constructionism works.
The theory of constructionism is simply that people are always reconstructing their understanding of a topic, issue, or feeling when exposed to new information. The information about what a person already knows about a topic or issue is called a learning spiral. The size of a learning spiral depends on what a person already knows about a subject. For some, their learning spiral about the Gospel is thick and has been growing over many years. For a new believer, their learning spiral may be quite small because they had limited understanding of the Gospel. Regardless of how large or small a person’s learning spiral is, when they are exposed to new information they naturally reconstruct their understanding of the Gospel, increasing the size of their learning spiral.
Think of a learning spiral as a churro, a long donut type sugary snack. Now think of new information as the sugar sprinkled on that churro. When that sugar sticks to the churro, it becomes a little thicker. The more sugar that sticks (new information) , the larger the churro becomes (the learning spiral of a subject).
Unfortunately, when you sprinkle sugar over a churro and then shake it, much of the sugar falls off. This often happens when a person is exposed to a lot of new information but it doesn’t seem to stick. How can we get more sugar to stick to our churro? If you sprayed your churro with water before sprinkling the sugar on it, much more would stick.
When learning new information, what is the equivalent of water? What helps the sugar stick? It is motivation and relevancy - a person naturally learns what they either need to learn or want to learn. This motivation is like water sprayed on a churro, it helps retain more of the information a person is receiving. Effective teachers know the importance of creating motivation before they teach something. They will provide scenarios for what a person will need or want to learn what they are learning.
In learning to “think again”, a good place to start is to identify what you already think you know about an issue, belief, or feeling. It is helpful to identify your learning spiral by writing down what you already know or think about this issue. Then write down why you need or want to reconstruct your understanding of the issue with new, truthful information.
Though constructionism is a term often used in educational circles, its principles can help us learn and retain biblical knowledge in a deeper and more impactful way. Constructivism is a learning theory that suggests people construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experience and reflection.
Constructivism emphasizes active engagement in learning. It's not about passively receiving information; it's about digging deep, asking questions, and connecting new knowledge with what we already know. This process mirrors the Scriptural call for meditation on God's Word. In Psalm 1:2, we read, "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in his law he meditates day and night." Meditation here isn’t just quiet pondering; it’s active engagement with Scripture.
As we explore how constructivism can aid us in learning and memorizing the Bible, let's begin by considering how it aligns with the teachings of Scripture. In Proverbs 4:7, it says, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight." This verse highlights the importance of not just acquiring knowledge but truly understanding and applying it.
Now, let’s consider how Jesus taught His disciples. He often used parables and stories, engaging listeners by connecting spiritual truths with everyday experiences. In Matthew 13, when Jesus explains why He uses parables, He indicates that such methods help reveal truths to those willing to seek understanding. In Matthew 13:16, He says, "But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear."
This method of teaching is a direct application of constructivism. Jesus didn’t simply provide the answers outright; He guided His followers to discover truths for themselves. This approach fosters deeper understanding and long-lasting retention because it encourages personal reflection and discovery.
Let's look at practical ways we can apply constructivism in our Bible study. First, we can participate in interactive and communal learning. In Acts 2:42, we see the early church devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. This collective learning experience allowed them to discuss, reflect, and apply the teachings in a supportive community. Engaging with others in studying Scripture fosters an environment where we can ask questions and share insights, thus constructing understanding together.
Imagine you're reading the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. As you reflect on this narrative, ask yourself questions. How does David’s faith apply to my challenges today? This active engagement transforms the story from a historical account into a personal lesson.
Furthermore, let's not forget the importance of personal experience in learning. James 1:22 instructs us not to merely listen to the Word but to do what it says. By putting Scripture into practice, we create experiential learning moments. When we serve others, love our neighbors, or trust God in difficult times, we aren’t just recalling biblical principles; we are incorporating them into our lives.
Moreover, constructivism involves connecting new information with existing knowledge, which helps in meaningful retention. Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. As we study Scripture, we should strive to connect what we learn with real-life experiences or previously learned truths. This connection solidifies our understanding and assists memory retention because we aren’t storing isolated facts but weaving them into a cohesive understanding.
One powerful way to connect scripture to our lives is through journaling. As we reflect on passages, we can write down how they relate to our circumstances, challenges, and questions. This reflective process is a sizable step away from mere rote memorization and moves us toward a deep, personal grasp of God’s Word.
Consider also the power of storytelling, as Jesus exemplified. Sharing our personal stories of how biblical truths have made an impact can enrich both our understanding and that of others. Revelation 12:11 speaks to the power of testimony: "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." Our stories, shaped by Scripture, help others see the living and active nature of God's Word.
Understanding constructivism encourages us to ask questions – to delve deeper when we encounter difficult or puzzling passages. We can feel comforted knowing that even the disciples had questions and sought understanding. John 16:29 records the disciples acknowledging a moment of clarity, saying, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech!"
This doctrine encourages us to welcome questions as a pathway to understanding, not as a sign of doubt. Theological growth requires wrestling with hard questions and seeking answers in God’s truth. Our approach should always be in the spirit of Proverbs 2:3-5, which instructs us to seek wisdom like hidden treasures.
We can draw encouragement from Christian educators who emphasize experience, reflection, and community. C.S. Lewis, for instance, consistently connected Christian doctrine with imaginative and experiential learning in his writings. He painted vivid pictures of Christian truths through stories, giving readers a personal stake in understanding and recalling those truths.
Let us not overlook technology and media as tools for constructivist learning. Modern resources, like Bible apps and online forums, allow us to interact with the Word in innovative ways. While they should complement rather than replace personal study and community, these tools can offer fresh perspectives and study methods.
Let's consider memory. How do we ensure the scriptures stay alive in our memories? Consider Deuteronomy 6:6-9, where the Israelites are instructed to keep God’s words in their hearts and to teach them diligently to their children, incorporating them into everyday life. Constructivism is about integrating learning into daily routines and practical experiences.
Memory work, while sometimes undervalued today, is a foundational element of constructivist learning when paired with understanding and application. Whether we memorize whole passages or key verses, the process should move us beyond the surface level to explore the depths of what those words mean for us today.
To effectively retain biblical knowledge, we must transition from mere memorization to memory with meaning. As students of the Word, encourage asking questions, exploring historical context, and seeking applications that resonate.
As we meditate on passages, allow yourself to visualize, to imagine the scenes and stories described. This vivid engagement can transform abstract ideas into memorable experiences. For example, reading about Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:39, picture yourself in the boat with the disciples. Feel the wind and waves until the voice of Jesus brings peace.
Finally, embrace the role of reflection. After studying a passage or hearing a sermon, take time for reflection. What did I learn? How does it change me? This aligns with 2 Timothy 3:16-17, where Scripture is described as profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. Let the Word do its work in your heart as you reflect and absorb its truths.
Incorporating constructivist principles into our spiritual journey invites life to erupt from the pages of Scripture. It moves us from passive recipients to active participants. It enriches our understanding and ensures lasting memory and transformation. Together, let us pursue this path, crafting a learning journey where God’s living Word becomes an inherent part of who we are, guiding and revealing God's heart to us each day.
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