E126: Overcoming Classroom Friction Points with Chase Rockwood — Teaching Restored

Why do students glaze over in early-morning seminary? What really creates those points of friction in a classroom—and what can we actually do about it? In this episode, we sit down with Chase Rockwood, a religion professor at BYU-Idaho and longtime high school seminary teacher, to get honest about what today’s youth and young adults are really bringing with them into our gospel classes.

Together, we break down the real-life reasons students disengage—spoiler: it’s rarely about the Gospel—and share practical strategies for navigating attendance, energy, social friction, and spiritual questions. We talk about ways to make lessons truly relevant, why music and routine may need a fresh look, and how to balance accountability with genuine love. Highlights include:

Specific methods to discover what students are struggling with—and how to let that shape lesson planning
Creative alternatives to the “same old” class openers, including music choices and engaging first-five-minutes activities
Navigating tough classroom behavior while keeping connection at the center
The critical role of parents and self-advocacy in resolving challenges
Embracing diverse perspectives, even when they challenge the status quo

Our conversation is full of real stories, self-reflection, and clear, actionable ideas—all focused on helping teachers create truly meaningful classroom experiences that invite every student, wherever they are, to connect with Christ.