How to Teach

by George D. (George Drayton) Strayer

"How to Teach" by George D. Strayer and Naomi Norsworthy is an educational guide written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the principles of teaching grounded in psychology, outlining effective methods and the underlying aims of education. The authors emphasize the necessity of understanding how children learn and the importance of fostering their development for collective societal benefit, rather than solely individual achievement. The beginning of this work establishes the authors' goal of integrating psychological principles into educational practices, aiming to make teaching methods more effective and socially oriented. In the preface, they introduce the idea that teaching success hinges on the measurable changes in children's learning and behavior. The opening chapters explore the role of the teacher, the significance of cooperation in learning, and the need for schools to foster social responsibility among students. Strayer and Norsworthy critique traditional educational aims that focus solely on culture or knowledge while advocating for a more communal perspective on education.