What after all are those principles which we all labour to advance? Let me first show a tangible result or two, inviting you to look at many such specimens in St. George's room, mostly Christmas examination papers; you notice the bulk of each set, but these are only specimens of what each child could do. The children read many books, probably one question is set on each book; a question which the cleverest crammer could not forecast. Whether they have read 50 or 250 pp., the answers are equally full, clear, accurate and to the point; and what is more, all are touched with emotion. Now, if life were long enough, the children could answer 10 or 20 questions on each book or section of a book, and each child would send in a volume of 200--300 pp., of vitalised knowledge all and evermore his own.
As regards the lessons you have listened to with sympathetic pleasure, may I let you into the secret. The children always pay absolute attention, nothing need ever be repeated, no former work is revised; they are always progressing, never retracing their steps, never going round and round like a horse in a mill.
This infinite power of attention in every child (and grown-up), our discovery, is on P.N.E.U. principle which puts education on a new footing, and promises the latter-day Renaissance we all long to see. People are becoming in love with knowledge, children and grow-ups, for of course parents and teachers share the delights of their children. No secondary motive, marks, prizes, place or the like, is required; children work with joy for the pure love of knowledge.
No comments:
Post a Comment