Mentor's Manual

92 For the Nex t Generat i on: The Urban Mi n i s t r y I ns t i tute ’ s Mentor Manua l

Readying Your Facilities and Classroom

A comfortable, clean, and well-lit learning space adds dramatically to your students’ ability to participate in a meaningful learning experience. Excellence should be the standard for every dimension of your learning and teaching venue, and your preparation, even in the smallest details of classroom management, will enhance the overall enrichment of your course and sessions. As in everything we do, we serve the Lord Christ, and he is worthy of our very best, to God’s glory (Eccles. 9.10; Col. 3.17, 24; 1 Cor. 10.31). Facilities Give proper time to setting up your physical space in order to ensure maximum learning and dialogue. Prepare your room excellently, ensuring that your room is neat, clean, and well organized. Seek to make your classroom as presentable and inviting as possible. Remember, something as small as your room will speak volumes regarding what you believe about your training of these leaders for Christ and his Kingdom. Ensure that the carpet is clean and the floor swept, the tables are wiped off, and the chairs neatly arranged. Clean or touch up your classroom walls. (Truly, a simple can of paint is inexpensive yet does wonders to the look of a classroom.) A sloppy, ill-kept learning environment can sabotage your training experience and negate all your good teaching and preparation. Always make it a priority to make and keep your classroom space tidy and presentable. Classroom Make sure you take the time to prepare your classroom prior to the start of your class. Set up and wipe off tables and chairs, and ensure the room is properly arranged well before students arrive. Additionally, size your room for your students. For instance, if you have twenty students registered for class, do not set up the classroom for thirty- five. Take down extra tables and chairs so the room does not feel empty or the class appear to be poorly attended. Use dividers if you have a large room and few students. Finally, check the room temperature. Set heat/air conditioning at a comfortable level for you and your students. (It’s better to err a little on the cool side to help the students stay alert.)

Readying Your

Facilities and Classroom