A brief course in the teaching process

by George D. Strayer

2. Facts relating to what men did.

a. Direct sense appeal not applicable.

b. Only actions now in progress can be observed.

c. With these as a basis actions in progress in the past more or less readily imaged.

d. That action appeals to children an axiom of history teaching.

3. Facts relating to thoughts and feelings of men, the motives that moved them to do or to say.

a. Known only through deeds and words.

b. Real understanding of the past measured by pupil’s ability to enter this inner life of history.

c. Important to recognize difficulties and limitations.

d. The mental states of a Clovis, a Charlemagne, a Napoleon, or even of a cave-man, an Indian, a pioneer, largely beyond the experience of children and of most adults.