Participatory Learning Through The Call And Response

Abstract

Wherever adult education takes place, the purpose is to learn. To assist adults in the learning process, it is suggested that a variety of techniques be used. Techniques that allow for participatory or interactive learning are most favored because they allow learners to be engaged in the learning process. One of the most popular participatory instructional techniques in the classroom is the discussion. Within the African American Church, participatory learning occurs through an interesting dialogue called the “call and response.” Costen (1993) suggests that the call and response is a dialogical communication that skillfully takes place between the preacher and the congregation. The purpose of this study was to examine the techniques preachers use to engage adults in the learning process during a worship service.