This tips focuses on the question and answer study process introduced in Book 1, Unit 1. Tutors should not be rigid about this process, but bear in mind that it is helpful to have a technique for study - in other words, "a systematic procedure by which a task is accomplished". It should not be referred to as the "Ruhi method".

Some tutors like to present participants at the start of Book 1 with a handout outlining the study process for working in pairs. Others invite them to write it in their books as a reminder. Some tutors make a poster or use a whiteboard -- whatever helps as a reminder to participants and helps them focus in the early stages of their learning.

When starting Book 1, it is helpful for the process to be practised in the whole group, using the first quotation, before moving into pairs. Once the participants start working in pairs, the tutor should go round each group assisting with the study, particularly encouraging and helping participants to find concrete examples to clarify meanings.

Suggestions for participants when working in pairs:

1.  Read the selected text once each (slowly with meaning)
2.  Form questions where the answer can be found and read directly from the text
3.  Clarify the meaning of key words and phrases in the context by using concrete examples that apply to one's daily life. Ask each other questions such as: "What would that look like in life?" "Can you give me a concrete example of that?"
4.  Do the exercises individually
5.  Memorise the text. (together if time or for homework)
6.  Plan to complete the pairs session in the set time.

Suggestions for the tutor working with the entire group:

1.  One person to read the quotation again, if necessary, to refresh.
2.  Ask group about any outstanding understanding of key words and phrases.
3.  Ask for any individuals to share their understandings of key words or phrases, giving concrete examples. You may have heard some good examples while working with pairs and could ask for these to be shared.
4.  Work through exercises together taking turns to share written answers. Ask individuals why they answered this way or that way. Discuss any shades of grey, particularly in the True/False questions that are generally about the implications of the quote.
5.  Ask individuals, to reflect and summarise the paragraph eg ask "now that you have a better understanding of this text, how will it affect your future actions, service, or relationships etc?"
6.  Discourage introduction of any reference to other writings or examples etc and keep focused on the course material.

The whole point of any study technique is that the student is taking charge of his or her learning. In Book 7 (p. 60), we read "you all remember that at the beginning of Book 1, a technique is used whereby the participants ask simple questions of one another. The use of this technique has a clear purpose, which is to help the participants focus on the Bahá'í text. But once such a habit is created, why would one continue to employ a technique that can easily become mechanical. Of course, there might be occasions now and then in other units when the technique is useful, but it should certainly not be called the "Ruhi method". What is more, it is not necessary to ask everyone to repeat the same question one after another, which would naturally only annoy them. Usually after one or two repetitions, the purpose of the exercise is achieved."