Guilford College - Quaker Yearbook (Greensboro, NC)

Page 23 text:

DEDICATION Prologue — The youthful Plato encountered his learned friend Socrates returning from Delphi and immediately drew him into conversation Plato — Anaxagones and I were discussing the merits of a good instructor, and we appeal to you to aid us in our quest by showing us a perfect teacher. Socrates — First Plato, we must determine exactly what is meant by a perfect teacher. Plato — I am not sure that I know, and that is ' -vhy I asked your help, but it would appear that a good teacher is one who presents clear and organized lectures. Socrates — Surely this is not all you mean, for even the sophists present organized lectures. Plato — Well then, in addition, he believes that man can im- prove himself by learning. Socrates — Do you mean this as the sophists do — that learning affords a better means of deceiving those around us! ' Plato — No Socrates, that is not correct at all. What I believe is that a man can enrich his life through an open-minded confrontation with the ideas of great minds, and that a good teacher is one who can present these concepts so that his student may best comprehend and appreciate them Socrates — And how shall this be accomplished? Plato — First, and perhaps foremost, it must be the duty of the teacher to present material clearly and concisely, but never dogmatically. Rather, he should strive for a dialogue be- tween himself and the student so that ideas do not merely flit through the mind, but are instead grasped and compre- hended. The good teacher will not demand mere repetition as the sophists do, but will strive to have his student know basic meaning instead of unrelated facts. Socrates — Would you not also say that a teacher is one who should view every activity as containing some educational content so that learning is shown to be a continuing process? Plato — That too seems true Socrates, and should it not be said that a good teacher is one who stimulates his pupils to fur- ther endeavors, and that his joy in being able to teach is apparent through his enthusiasm and wit. Socrates — I must admit Plato, that all these attributes com- bined seem to adequately define a good teacher. Plato — This may be ture, but I now refer you to my original question. Where am I to find a perfect teacher? Socrates — While at Delphi, the oracle spoke of such a man. In fact, he is affectionately called by your name. And it is to this man. Dr. Carroll S. Feagms, that the class of 1964 proudly dedicates their annual.