Every one recognizes the fact that young people, as a rule, have not
been learning to study properly alone. There are two reasons for this,
which deserve very careful consideration. One is that the difference
between studying with a teacher and studying alone has been
overlooked. It has been assumed that the two were practically
identical, so that the one was full preparation for the other, while
in fact there is a very striking difference between them.

Consider what happens in class instruction, and then how independent
study differs from it. When a young person sets to work to master a
lesson with the aid of a teacher there is a question of how much two
persons can accomplish together. One of the two is mature, more or
less informed in general, more or less versed in the principles of
study, and more or less skilled in their application. The other is
immature, and only under favorable circumstances fully willing to
apply himself.

_1. The difference between studying alone and with a teach has been
overlooked._

As they ordinarily work, their relation to each other is well defined.
In case text has been assigned, the teacher asks various questions,
pushes the pupil against difficulties, points out crucial thoughts,
calls a halt here and there for review and drill, supplies motive for
attention by reprimanding or praising or pummeling, as the case may
be, and not seldom becomes flushed in the face from exertion. In the
case of development instruction in which, without the help of a text,
the thought is slowly unfolded by means of question and answer, the
teacher is the recognized master of the discussion. She usually