London Normal School - Spectrum Yearbook (London, Ontario Canada)

Page 11 text:

There ' s no madness in methods! The know how or method is the mark of distinction between a truly professional teacher, and any well- educated layman with a good understanding of children. When you reflect upon the year you spent at Teachers ' College, perhaps you recall an almost maddening emphasis upon teaching methods. Not only were methods of teaching delt with during the intramural weeks, but also during your eight weeks of practice teaching. Methods lectured upon; methods discussed; methods written about; methods practised; methods critically analysed. Methods! Methods! Methods! Despite the emphasis upon methods we are only too well aware that you have acquired only a rudimentary knowledge of how children learn, and how teachers help them in the process. Now, your task as you begin your career is to polish the elementary teaching methods you have already acquired meanwhile being constantly on the alert for new and better ways of teaching. Reading, observing, discussing, experimenting and evaluating will be the guiding activities on your way to true professionalism. It goes without saying that a teacher must know the subject matter he is to teach and have a sound knowledge of how children learn; but it is the mastery of teaching methods that is the true distinguishing mark of the I would wish for you health, courage, and enthusiasm to meet the challenge of teaching. And I hope that even now you will have recognized a purpose in presenting you with a madness of methods. teacher. My best wishes go with you as you take your places in the most necessary and most challenging of professions. D. F. Harris Vice-Principal