It must be acknowledged that the methods of disquisition and teaching may be sometimes different, and on good reason undoubtedly; but for my part, I am convinced that the method of teaching which approaches most nearly to the method of investigation is incomparably the best; since not content with serving up a few barren and lifeless truths, it leads to the stock on which they grew; it tends to set the reader himself in the track of invention, and to direct him into those paths in which the author has made his own discoveries, if he should be so happy as to have made any that are valuable.Teachers of English writing in 2015 would no doubt go into conniptions over Mr. Burke's aggressive use of the semicolon, but his idea is intriguing: teachers should lead students into the track of their own discoveries.
Perhaps as an historian at the college level, I have the luxury in each class of trying to introduce my students that much more into the historian's craft. But is this really a luxury, or is this something that teachers of all stripes, at all levels, can do? Or is Burke's dream merely that--just so much bluster?
I believe it is the responsibility of teachers to teach their pupils as much as possible about the subject/ art of which he or she is teaching. That being said, often it is a luxury to do so especially at the non collegiate level. There are many restraints teachers have about what they can and can't teach their students and how deep they are allowed to dive into it. You Matt, are very privileged that you are able to teach your passion and love of history. I'm sure it is an invaluable resource to them.
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