Principles of TeachingBennion, Adam S. (Adam Samuel)
Religion
Principles of Teaching
Bennion, Adam S. (Adam Samuel)
Religious education
"_Importance and Value of Good Lesson Assignment._ From the foregoing
consideration it is clear that no other part of the teacher's work
exceeds in value and importance the proper planning and assignment of
the daily lessons. It is supplying the class and the school with a
definite plan of work. It is preparing the mind of each individual
pupil for the reception of new truths and whetting his intellectual
appetite for a feast of good things. It inspires confidence by
pointing out to the pupil just how he can use his past lessons and
acquisitions to make new conquests. It prevents pupils from
misunderstanding the lesson or approaching it with indifference or
positive aversion. It enables the pupil to approach the new lesson in
a perceiving mood, and helps pupils to form the habit of being
successful in their work and of making a daily application of their
old knowledge. It prevents the teacher from degenerating into a mere
talker, and, where textbooks are used, should be the most vital part
of the recitation."
The assignment is the great guarantee of a good recitation. It sets up
objectives--it points the way--it starts the thought process that is to
produce a discussion worth while at the subsequent meeting of the class.
Much has been said recently against the practice on the part of the
teacher of saying, "Take chapter three for next time." There are
superintendents of schools who refuse to keep such teachers in their
service. To make such an assignment, particularly in classes that meet
only once a week, and especially if the assignment is made, as is too
usually the case, after the signal for class dismissal has been given,
is to promise the pupils a week in advance that their next lesson will
be very much of a failure.
A good assignment is characterized by several very definite features. In
the first place it is perfectly clear. Given at a time when pupils are
following it, it gives specific direction as to the work to be done
ahead in preparation. It indicates the direction of intellectual travel,
points out sources of material, and indicates what is to be looked for.
Reference or textbooks are so pointedly referred to that pupils not only
remember their names, they want to turn to them to enjoy their
contributions.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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