The Educational Writings of Richard MulcasterMulcaster, Richard
History
The Educational Writings of Richard Mulcaster
Mulcaster, Richard
Education -- History
As for consultation between parents and teachers, I have already
said much on this head, but it is such an important matter that
I can never say too much about it, because their friendly and
faithful co-operation brings about perpetual obedience in the
child, scorn of evil, and desire to do well. Nothing hinders this
so much as credulity and partiality in the parents, when they are
unable to withstand their children’s tears and pleading against
some deserved punishment. Though the parents may at the time gain
their point, they will find in the end that they cannot have their
own will as they would like. Such consultation is of special value
when the child is leaving school to proceed onward to further
learning, and when there is a question of changing masters owing to
some fancied grievance. In the former case, the parent by seeking
the teacher’s advice can be surer of his ground. In the latter
case, it may prevent loss to the child through misunderstanding.
You are offended with the master, but have you conferred with him,
and explained to him openly the cause of your dissatisfaction?
Have you made quite sure that the fault is not in your son, or in
yourself? If the master be wise, and if he hath been advisedly
chosen, though he should chance to have erred, he will know how to
make amends; if he be not wise, then the consultation will help to
show him up, and make it certain how much trust can be put in him.
I must needs say once for all that there is no public or private
means that makes so much for the good upbringing of children as
this conference between parents and teachers.
The last kind of consultation that I recommend is that among the
members of the teaching profession, which has a good influence on
education generally. Can any single person, or even a few, however
skilful they may be, see the truth as clearly as a number can, in
common consultation? Even in matters not concerned with learning
such conference is found profitable, and where it is practised
among teachers for the common good, it may have the advantage of
giving forth a unanimous opinion to the public. In places where
there are a number of schools within a small compass, this kind of
conference can be easily secured and is very desirable.
Systematic Direction.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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