PRINCIPLES DETERMINING METHOD. 167 



CHAPTER VIII. 



PRINCIPLES DETERMINING METHOD IN NATURE STUDY 

 (CONTINUED). 



HAVING considered in the previous chapter the in- 

 fluence of sense-perception, apperception, interest, and 

 imagination in determining method, we are prepared 

 to discuss the relation to method of sequence, unity, 

 and expression. 



Sequence is but a continuation or repetition of the 

 process of apperception. The mind, like the body, 

 accomplishes most when it builds and is built in order, 

 or proceeds step by step. Sequence is building in 

 order, founding each new part on the previous part, 

 relating each new step most closely to preceding steps. 



To insure sequence, several precautions are neces- 

 sary ; certain errors, common in teaching, must be 

 guarded against. 



We must be sure that all necessary foundations are 

 laid. The builder who discovers after he has partly 

 finished the superstructure that he has forgotten or 

 neglected to support some part, and is compelled to go 

 back and strengthen or add to his foundation, always 

 loses time, and usually has a weak structure. The 

 teacher who continually finds that in previous lessons 



