[Sidenote: Written Work]
A large class of eighth grade pupils had different teachers for
different subjects. Near the beginning of the school year, Mr. Smith,
one of the teachers, said to Mrs. Lathrop, a teacher of another subject,
“That class simply will not prepare written work for me. They
deliberately disobey me about it.”
Mrs. Lathrop had seen no signs of rebellion in the class. Soon she
ordered written work handed in for the next day. She made her
explanation of what she wanted done very exact. The task she set was
easy and required little time. She expected to have work from every
pupil. She was not disappointed. After the papers were handed in she
told the pupils how pleased she was to get a well-prepared paper from
each one. She talked a moment about the mental and moral strength of the
class, and of her hopes regarding a year’s work with them.
Needless to say, a very strong bond of good faith grew up between her
and the class. They never collectively or individually failed her. She
used with them the principles of expectancy and approval. Mr. Smith
failed with the same class through faultfinding.
A man may well bring a horse to the water
But he cannot make him drink without he will.
—_John Heywood._