The BYU Idaho Learning Model and Pathway

The BYU Idaho learning model impressed me because I can find a lot of value in it. Honesty and integrity are important qualities to me and those are clearly reflected in the learning model. It's important to act for yourself and accept personal responsibility for your own learning. I found one principle of the learning model to be particularly important, which was to understand that true teaching is done by and with the Holy Ghost. Included in this principle are, to act immediately upon inspiration and to obey the honor code. I was presented with a great opportunity to share this information with a friend this week while buying a soda from a fast food restaurant. We went through the drive through and he ordered just one drink. I was puzzled but I didn't ask any questions. I paid for my drink and was expecting we'd be on to continue with our next plans. Instead he parked and took an empty cup inside the restaurant while I waited in the car. Those minutes passed very slowly as I prayed that God might help him understand the error of his ways. He came back to the car proud to have his free soda. I hesitated for a second but then remembered this principle about teaching with the Holy Ghost. I then told him that I think it is wrong to go in and get a free refill when you are not dining inside the restaurant. I expressed my concern that it was theft and I explained the value of having integrity is more than the cost of the drink. I further stated that he was wrong to make me a part of that experience. We later had the opportunity to read the Learning model together and I was able to show him the video about the honor code. I informed him that I would like to live by the honor code and I hoped to surround myself with like minded people. He had a change of heart and later went to the fast food restaurant and left $1.09 at the register for the free drink refill. The honor code and the learning model can easily be applied to all aspects of our lives. Click below to see the BYU Idaho learning model for yourself!

http://www.byui.edu/about/defining-aspects/learning-model

BYU I learning model

FDREL lesson 01

The process by which the Book of Mormon came to us through Joseph Smith is not easily understood. The same can be said about how the Book of Mormon has impacted my life. Although I can't easily put it into words, I know that the Book of Mormon has impacted my life in a positive way. When I read it I feel a sense of comfort. When I watch Mormon messages that include lessons from the Book of Mormon, my home is filled with warmth. Just like the way we can feel it in our bones that the seasons are changing, I can feel the love that comes from the scriptures. By taking this class and completing the assigned readings, I hope to gain a stronger testimony of the Book of Mormon so that I can explain it to my friends and family. While reading the article, "By the Gift and Power of God" by Elder Neal A. Maxwell, I learned that there was no blanket between Joseph Smith and the scribes during the translation of the golden plates, according to Emma Smith. I always pictured a blanket hanging between them. There is always something new to learn when you wholeheartedly study the lessons and teachings of the prophets of the Church of  Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.