The high school course in EnglishBleyer, Willard Grosvenor
General
The high school course in English
Bleyer, Willard Grosvenor
English language -- Study and teaching (Secondary); English literature -- Study and teaching (Secondary)
Since it is only by constant practice that the average pupil can learn
to write good English, it naturally follows that the essential part of
the composition work is the writing of themes. The methods by which the
pupil is given this practice are of the greatest importance. In the
first place, as has already been indicated, it should be made clear to
the pupil what original composition is, and what it is not. The belief,
all too prevalent among pupils, that ideas for compositions are to be
obtained largely if not entirely from books, should be promptly
eradicated from their minds. They must be constantly impressed with the
fact that the expression of their own ideas is the important factor in
all original composition.
The direction of the pupils to a right choice of subject for their
compositions is the first important consideration. The possibility of
writing interesting themes on the everyday incidents in the life of the
pupils and the school must be made clear to them at the beginning of the
course. After the pupils have once been made to see the inexhaustible
supply of material which their own experience affords, there will be no
temptation to turn to books for inspiration. Throughout the course in
composition it is necessary for a teacher of English to have a large
supply of good subjects for themes. To secure these subjects the teacher
must familiarize himself with local conditions, particularly as they
affect the life and interests of his pupils. It is an essential part of
the teacher’s preparation for teaching composition that he inform
himself fully upon the subjects of local interest upon which he
encourages the pupils to write. By his interest in the various
activities of the pupils and by his sympathy in their efforts, the
teacher not only comes to know what subjects to suggest for composition,
but gains the pupils’ confidence, and arouses in them a desire to tell
him of these activities in their written work. With proper encouragement
and interest on the part of the teacher, pupils will soon come to take
pleasure in writing of their everyday experiences, and the themes will
become a source of greater pleasure and satisfaction to both teacher and
pupils.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account