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True Education
we marvel, is almost invariably united with untiring, concentrated
effort.
All the Faculties to Be Developed
Young people should be taught to aim at the development of all
their faculties, the weaker as well as the stronger. With many there
is a disposition to restrict their study to certain lines for which they
have a natural liking. This error should be guarded against. The
natural aptitudes indicate the direction of the lifework, and, when
legitimate, should be carefully cultivated. At the same time it must
be kept in mind that a well-balanced character and efficient work in
any line depend, to a great degree, on that symmetrical development
which is the result of thorough, all-around training.
Teachers should constantly aim at simplicity and effectiveness.
They should teach largely by illustration, and even in dealing with
older pupils should be careful to make every explanation plain and
clear. Many students well advanced in years are but children in
understanding.
An important element in educational work is enthusiasm. On
this point there is a useful suggestion in a remark once made by
a celebrated actor. The archbishop of Canterbury asked him why
actors in a play affect their audiences so powerfully while ministers
of the gospel often affect theirs so little. “With due submission to
your grace,” replied the actor, “permit me to say that the reason is
plain: It lies in the power of enthusiasm. We on the stage speak of
things imaginary as if they were real, and you in the pulpit speak of
things real as if they were imaginary.”
Teachers are dealing with things real, and they should speak of
them with all the force and enthusiasm that a knowledge of their
reality and importance can inspire.
Teachers should see to it that their work tends to definite results.
Before attempting to teach a subject, they should have a distinct plan
in mind, and should know just what they want to accomplish. They
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should not rest satisfied with the presentation of any subject until
their students understand the principle involved, perceive its truth,
and are able to state clearly what they have learned.