Elevated Learning Requires Moral Agency, Elder Gilbert Tells BYU–Idaho Graduates

This story appears here courtesy of TheChurchNews.com. It is not for use by other media.

By Rachel Sterzer Gibson, Church News

As the former president of BYU–Idaho, the former president of BYU–Pathway Worldwide and now as the Church commissioner of education, Elder Clark G. Gilbert, a General Authority Seventy, has had ample opportunity to ask students a fundamental question: “What is the most important condition for elevated learning?”

Through the years, students have given responses such as inspiring teachers, compelling curriculum, covering relevant topics or when circumstances add a sense of urgency or purpose.

Each of these conditions elevates learning, Elder Gilbert said. “And yet, underlying each of these conditions is something much more fundamental and profound.”

Individuals learn most effectively when they have opportunities to use their agency, he said. “The ability to act, to choose, to take ownership, and be personally responsible for our learning increases our use of agency. It is the activation of personal agency that is the most important condition in my mind for elevated learning,” Elder Gilbert told BYU–Idaho graduates on Thursday, December 19.

Thousands of graduates and their families and friends gathered in the BYU–I Center in Rexburg, Idaho, for Thursday’s commencement. The ceremony recognized the efforts of more than 3,000 graduates — the largest graduating class in the university’s history.

Of the 3,222 graduates, 1,470 were online students, and 1,560 began their studies as BYU–Pathway Worldwide students. The university bestowed 2,387 bachelor’s degrees and 954 associate degrees. Close to 850 graduates began their education at or after the age of 30, BYU–Idaho President Alvin F. Meredith III reported during the ceremony.

In his remarks, Elder Gilbert encouraged graduates to develop a pattern of applying their moral agency. He promised that it would “bless you throughout your life.”

A Master Class in Agency and Learning

The ability to act and take responsibility for learning will be far more important than any other job skill acquired to this point, Elder Gilbert said. “Your ability to use your agency in your learning will have the greatest impact not only for future academic and professional growth, but in your spiritual development. We don’t write this out on your transcripts or display it on your diploma, but when we say you are a graduate of BYU–Idaho, we are signaling that you are someone who has acquired the ability to use your agency to learn and to grow in profound and lasting ways.”

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught, “as learners, you and I are to act and be doers of the word and not simply hearers who are only acted upon. Are you and I agents who act and seek learning by faith, or are we waiting to be taught and acted upon?” (“Seek Learning by Faith,” Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, September 2007).

Elder Gilbert said that during their time at BYU–Idaho, graduates have been enrolled in a master class on agency and learning.

The BYU–Idaho teaching model has encouraged them to come prepared to classes and devotionals, to ask questions, participate in discussions and apply learning outside of the classroom. They have been given opportunities to lead, teach and serve through activities, athletics, Church callings, mentoring and other programs.

“Part of what makes BYU–Idaho so special, part of what makes you so special, is how you have used your agency to lean in, build yourself, and build other students in your time at this university,” Elder Gilbert said.

President Russell M. Nelson taught “[I]n coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost” (see “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” April 2018 general conference).

One of the many reasons individuals are invited to act is when they use their agency. Faith in action invites the Holy Ghost, and it is the Holy Ghost who ultimately teaches and confirms truth, Elder Gilbert explained.

“This is why we are striving to create a master class experience at BYU–Idaho on agency and learning. Of course, the active learning you have developed at BYU–Idaho will help you in your employment, future studies, and in your home. But one of the anchoring reasons we work so hard to give you opportunities to act is that you will need it in the coming days for your own spiritual survival,” he said.

In his brief address to graduates, President Meredith noted that while university administrators hope students will go on to be great biologists, lawyers, doctors and teachers, their greatest hope is that they will be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.

“Where much is given, much is required. What is required of you now is to go forward and do what His disciples do,” President Meredith said.

Copyright 2024 Deseret News Publishing Company.