3.16.7 The Discussion Method

This method, built upon questions and their answers, is commendable for its democracy and because of the fact that it stimulates both thought and discussion on the part of most if not all of the kids. Questions are so vital to good teaching that Chapter XXI will be devoted to their consideration.

Suffice it to say here that for all practical purposes it is the basis of the best teaching. Discussions make it possible to reach kids “Where they are”—make it possible for everyone to contribute of his experience to everyone else.

The one outstanding difficulty with the discussion method lies in the fact that it calls for such skilful direction. It so easily runs off on tangents that the teacher is kept on his mettle holding to the subject in hand.

After all, each method has its advantages and its disadvantages. There are times when any one of them can be profitably used; it is clear that any one of them can be abused—can be made more or less monotonous. Perhaps we can wisely conclude that, “The best method is a variety of methods.“

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