76 Education through Nature 



sionally used, in which the pupil is told how and 

 when to pick up a dissecting- needle, and just where 

 to insert it. This is sometimes taken to be the investi- 

 gation method, but erroneously so. The most suc- 

 cessful teachers of advanced science never use it. 



The disadvantages of such a method are many. It 

 suggests the reform school; it is mechanical and often 

 develops in the pupil a feeling of helplessness, and is, 

 consequently, discouraging rather than encouraging; 

 it is contrary to the nature of the normal pupil, and 

 consequently destroys rather than increases interest. 

 In withholding from the pupil the object of the work 

 and the end to be attained, it is contrary to common 

 sense; which even a child realizes, when it insists 

 that nothing is worth doing for the mere sake of doing 

 it. It is especially distasteful to those pupils who 

 feel that they have some ability of their own. 



It also has its advantages. It is especially useful 

 to those who lack all experience, and who are defi- 

 cient in self-confidence; it may develop in the pupil 

 proper habits of work, such as neatness, carefulness, 

 and attention to details; it may encourage those who 

 naturally need encouragement, and who are unable to 

 exercise any amount of originality; it may restrain 

 the reckless and compel those who are inclined to shirk 

 their work to do their proper share of it and do it in 

 the right way; it may help to develop systematic habits. 



It is very useful as an introduction to a subject, 

 provided it be abandoned as soon as proper habits 

 have been formed. A period or two at the beginning 

 is often sufficient, as it enables the pupil to know what 

 is expected of him. It is doubtless true here, as else- 

 where in life, that freedom should be granted as soon 

 as it has been earned. Nothing could be more absurd 

 than to continue using this method when it is not 

 needed, especially in a subject where original investi- 

 gation is the aim. 



