Engaging the Higher Order Thought Processes – When we study the works of Jesus we see He was a Master at engaging the higher order thought processes of those in front of Him, be it disciples, followers, or the Pharisees and other adversaries. What does this term “higher order thought processes” mean? It is engaging your listeners into life changing learners, causing them to go beyond mere recall and to delve into a deeper level of thinking and processing of information. For learning to take place one must be able to relate to the topic being discussed. The only way to relate to something is to have some prior knowledge. Learning always builds upon learning, therefore we must always have some prior knowledge of or related to the topic at hand to be able to understand the new information.

For example, we know an infant, once she develops their motor skills adequately, will transfer everything she picks up to her mouth. Have you ever wondered why? Consider this. What is the very first action where a baby learns satisfaction? It is being fed. When hungry a newborn knows to cry in hunger. What does Mom do? She instinctively feeds the newborn. The newborn experiences satisfaction. As that baby grows and discovers new things, the only option she knows is to take that new toy, scrap of paper, or other object to the place where satisfaction is experienced. The youngster will only grow out of this as her ability to grow in understanding increases and she is taught other options.

In Turnaround Journey Pastor Tim Farling and Greg the church’s transition coach, engage the leadership team’s higher order thought processes often in meetings and discussions. In chapter five Greg (the coach) uses a couple of statements to engage the higher order thought processes of his listeners. Then, he pauses, allowing each person to assess, reflect, and ponder the stated information. Too often, leaders and teachers jump ahead giving an explanation and not allowing these higher order thought processes to be fully engaged. In doing this we lose the greatest learning opportunity for those under our leadership and teaching. Greg waits silently for a response. Then when one of the team members asks a question for clarification (“What do you mean? What opportunities would we miss?”), Greg still does not give a direct answer. He gives enough to allow those wheels of higher order thought processes to continue in each of his listeners around the table. It is not always the best and most effective approach to simply give the answer, though that might be the simplest, easy way to proceed. Simple and easy is not always best. For a lasting learning experience allowing the higher order thought processes to engage and think through the scenario produces the most effective and lasting learning experience. One that is more likely to be carried into the workplace assignment.

Another tool coach Greg uses in Turnaround Journey is also one of Jesus’ teaching techniques. He uses an analogy and an object lesson (taking a trip). Why? Because everyone around the table has taken a trip and can relate to the question posed by Greg, “What is the first vital piece of information you need before you can plan or take a trip?”

In doing this Greg is able to allow the discussion to flow from the learners before turning the analogy back to the matter at hand. Engaging the higher order thought processes helps people process the information being offered and transforms it into learning by attaching the new information with what is already stored in the memory bank of our mind.

Jesus knew that engaging his listeners’ higher order thought processes would bring about life changing learning – and look at the following He gained as a leader. The leadership and teaching techniques He used were geared to learning rather than dispensing information. Learn to use leadership and teaching techniques that focus on learning not teaching. It’s what Jesus did and all His teaching/learning techniques engaged the Higher Order Thought Processes. Engaging higher order thought processes produces effective efficient fruit. Use these and you’ll see a more productive team. To learn more about Engaging Higher Order Thought Processes purchase your copy of “Teaching That Bears Fruit,” Guardian Press, 2001.

For more information on engaging the Higher Order Thought Processes contact George Yates and visit SonC.A.R.E. Ministries.

For more information about or to order a pre-release copy of Turnaround Journey visit Turnaround Journey.