3.1.6 Discovery of Pupils’ Better Selves

One of the most fascinating problems in teaching is to come to know the real nature of our pupils—to get below surface appearances to the very boy himself.

Most of the work of solving this problem necessarily must be done out of class. Such intimate knowledge is the result of personal contact when no barriers of class recitation interfere.

It involves time and effort, of course, but it is really the key to genuine teaching. It makes possible what we have named as factor number eight, which may be disposed of here for present purposes.

We read of bygone days largely because in them we hope to find a solution to the problems of Jimmie Livingston today.

How can we effect the solution if all that we know of Jimmie is that he is one of our fifteen scouts?

We must see him in action, must associate with him as he encounters his problems, if we would help him solve them. Our discovery of our pupils’ better selves, and intelligent application, go together hand in hand.

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