E CONOMY of energy is the intrinsic mark of all progress in nature and in art. . . . Our motive should be to economize educative effort. The tendency of the mind is to relate all irregular forms to typical forms. Education is the economy of self effort. The two fundamental modes of self-effort are attention and expression. Thought that does not tend to action dies or stagnates. Making is the material basis of life and living. Making is the complete externalization of individual concepts. Making is nature's primary method of human growth. -FRANCIS WAYLAND PARKER. Hints for Teaching Children to Think. 1. As a rule, never ask a question of which the answer must be (a) "Yes" or "No," or (b) one of two things. 2. As opportunity occurs, ask How? or Why? 3. Frequently ask for illustrations. 4. Occasionally ask a question requiring a few sentences for an answer. Allow the class a few moments in which to go over the answer in their minds before asking for "Hands up." 5. Sometimes analyze a wrong answer and get it put right. 6. At times accept answers to the same question from different children, then point out which answer is the best, and why it is so. 7. Discourage hasty answering (which is answering without thought), and the answering by a few bright children to the neglect of the lazy or dull. 8. Never allow children to answer without being called upon. They should put their hands up and wait. (Consensus of a number of English school inspectors.) |