F. G by F. G. | AdventAI

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 3, 1907

F. G

By F. G.

Thoroughness

We are to do heartily and as unto the Lord all that we perform. We are to recognize that slackness is not only displeasing to him, but that it is an absolute injury to our pupils. Thoroughness in teaching and thoroughness in disciplining are the two lines upon which the successful teacher must work. Many of the pupils, in learning their lessons, and even after they think they have learned them, see “men as trees walking.” Everything is indefinite and confused. The principal points of the lesson are not clear, and so fixed in the mind that the minor points can be properly fastened to them. Small wonder that with such confused ideas regarding the lessons such pupils are unable to pass in a proper manner the required examinations. Small wonder that pupils so taught accomplish but little in any undertaking in after-life. It is not the facts which our pupils get that alone are valuable to them, but indeed it would seem as if the manner in which they get these facts is of more value than the facts themselves. The definiteness and clearness and thoroughness with which they are taught is revealed in all their affairs and doings after they have finished with the schoolroom. How necessary it is, then, that there should be that constant review, that constant line upon line, that definiteness and thoroughness in the teaching that will enable the pupil to be always able to take a positive hold of the necessary facts. Hearing the pupil recite is not teaching. Teaching is assisting the pupil to discover and to arrange the facts of knowledge, which he is to learn in a clear, definite, and fixed manner. The same principles hold in discipline. We do not require the pupil to be orderly simply that there may be a quietness in the schoolroom that is conducive to study, but as well do we require him to be orderly in order that he may acquire habits which will appear in all the business of after-life.

It is impossible for a teacher in whom the principles of thoroughness are not well grounded, to teach thoroughness to others, but it is not impossible for a teacher to improve greatly in the matter of thoroughness. When we recognize that all our work is to be done as unto the Lord, and that our Lord, when here upon earth, did nothing in a slack, slovenly, or careless manner, then will we recognize the vast importance of definiteness, carefulness, and thoroughness in all our ways as teachers.