H. Jacobsen, a member of the B.Y.U.
Teacher-Training class:
_The Significance of Individual Differences in Teaching_
"Individual instruction in our religious organizations as in the
public schools is under present condition impracticable. We are
compelled to teach in groups or classes of somewhat varying size.
Consequently, it is of prime importance for the teacher, in trying to
apply that fundamental principle of pedagogy--an understanding of the
being to be taught--to know first what characteristics and
tendencies, whether native or acquired, are known to a large majority
of the children in the class. Leaving out of consideration the
possible presence of subnormal children, the language used must be
clear and simple enough to be comprehended by all; the great majority
of the questions must be intended for all to find answers to; the
stories, illustrations, incidents, pictures, and various devices
employed must be reasonably within the range of experience and
comprehension of all members.
"At the same time, it is important to recognize the fact that, after
all, the class as a whole does not in any very fundamental,
pedagogical sense constitute the objective unit of instruction.
Though it seems natural for most teachers to look upon the class as a
more or less uniform mass, and the exigencies of the situation make
this to some extent unavoidable, still the individual child remains
always the real unit, and furthermore the units are all different--in
appearance, training and temperament.
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