Some teachers look hastily through the lesson and conclude that even though they are not thoroughly familiar with the lesson, or any part of the lesson, they know enough to fill the period and can, if necessary, supplement the little they know with random talk or story. Or, lacking time or heart for preparation, they dismiss all thought of teaching, fill the hour with such exercises as may occur to them, and hope that, as the school is a good thing anyway, the pupils will receive some benefit from mere attendance. Some teachers fail to find stimulation in the lesson so they make it a mere framework upon which to hang some fancies of their own. Even worse is the teacher who seeks to conceal his lazy ignorance by some pompous pretense of learning, hiding his lack of knowledge by an array of high-sounding phrases beyond the comprehension of his students. This is a sham to the teaching profession, and it is belittling to the students.
Many teachers arrive at their work either partly prepared or wholly unprepared.
They are like messengers without a message. They lack entirely the power and enthusiasm necessary to produce the fruits which we have a right to look for from their efforts. If this Law of the Teacher is thoroughly obeyed, our Christian schools and Sunday schools will increase in number and in usefulness. The Seven Laws of Teaching . Return to Journal for Christian Educators, Fall 1999.