Mr. Davidson doubtless knew that Elizabeth was selfish, but took no
measures to correct the fault. Some teachers say they are not employed
as character builders but only as instructors in secular matters. The
truth is, however, that they cannot escape instructing in morals.
Elizabeth was growing more selfish. The question as to whether character
grows during school life is settled. Pupils do change in character. The
teacher has no choice. He either confirms or breaks up bad habits. The
principle of substitution enables the selfish pupil to grow less selfish
by the study and admiration of unselfish pupils and adults. It is in
order to call forth this admiration that the student is asked to tell
why he names certain acts unselfish.
Teachers make mistakes often by publicly announcing a misdemeanor about
which there would otherwise be little known. Cases where immediate
danger does not threaten should not be made public. Private inquiry is
always much more fruitful of good results. Public confession is
especially hard. Furthermore, the sidetracking of legitimate school
interests by much discussion of misdemeanors can be minimized by letting
as few persons as possible know about the wrong deed.
Threats that are not carried out weaken the teacher’s control.
Patient study and planning will show the teacher a way to cure
selfishness. By judicious observation a teacher can discover attitudes
taken toward a pupil by his schoolmates and these will be of great value
to him in any attempt at corrective measures.
It is doubtless true that the schoolmates often develop a wise and
effective cure for some wrong trait or attitude. In such cases they may
be permitted to carry out their program, without the connivance of the
teacher. But a close examination of the conditions is needful, so that
neglect of unformed characters may not be appropriately charged against
a teacher.