Teaching (redirected from didactics)

teaching

Profession of those who give instruction, especially in an elementary or secondary school or a university. The teaching profession is a relatively new one. Traditionally, parents, elders, religious leaders, and sages were responsible for teaching children how to behave and think and what to believe. Germany introduced the first formal criteria for the education of teachers in the 18th century. In the 19th century, as society became more industrialized, the concept of schooling became more universal. In industrialized nations today, most teachers are university graduates. Teacher-training programs usually include both general and specialized academic, cultural, or vocational courses; the study of educational principles; and a series of professional courses combined with practical experience in a typical school setting. Most countries also require professional certification following formal training. See also National Education Association.

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Teaching

See also Education.

Aristotle

(384–322 B.C.) Greek philosopher who tutored Alexander the Great. [Gk. Hist.: NCE, 147]

Arnold, Dr

. wise headmaster of Rugby shows his understanding of youth. [Br. Lit.: Tom Brown’s School Days; Magill II, 1039]

Auburn schoolmaster

learned and severe yet kind master of the village school. [Br. Poetry: Goldsmith The Deserted Village in Norton Literature]

Bhaer, Professor

teaches writing to Jo; eventually marries her. [Am. Lit.: Little Women]

Brooks, Miss

(Connie) popular TV show features a harried Miss Brooks as high school teacher. [TV: “Our Miss Brooks” in Terrace, II, 174]

Chips, Mr

. lovable and didactic schoolteacher. [Br. Lit.: Good-bye, Mr. Chips]

Chiron

knowledgeable Centaur; instructed Achilles, Jason, and Asclepius. [Gk. Myth.: Parrinder, 62]

Grundy, Miss

Archie’s grumpy high school teacher. [Am. Comics: “Archie” in Horn, 87]

Hartsook, Ralph

backwoods schoolteacher has severe problems with boisterous older pupils. [Am. Lit.: The Hoosier School-master; Magill I, 373]

Hicks, Miss

history teacher, antiquated but wise, impassioned, and just to her pupils. [Am. Lit.: Saroyan The Human Comedy in Magill I, 392]

Kotter, Gabe

teacher of Special Guidance Remedial Academics. [TV: “Welcome Back, Kotter” in Terrace, II, 423]

Leonowens, Mrs. Anna

young Welsh widow, tutors children and women of King of Siam. [Br. Lit.: Landon Anna and the King of Siam; Am. Musical: Rodgers and Hammerstein The King and I in On Stage, 333]

Moffat, Miss

teacher in Welsh mining town. [Br. Lit.: The Corn Is Green; NCE, 2982]

Pangloss

character who taught Candide “metaphysico-theologocosmolonigology.” [Fr. Lit.: Candide]

Phillotson, Mr

. Jude’s former schoolmaster. [Br. Lit.: Thomas Hardy Jude The Obscure]

Porpora

famous music master of Consuelo and Haydn. [Fr. Lit.: Consuelo, Magill I, 156–158]

Silenus

knowledgeable tutor of Bacchus. [Rom. Myth.: Daniel, 213]

Socrates

(469–399 B.C.) Greek philosopher; tutor of Plato. [Gk. Hist.: NCE, 2553]

Squeers, Wackford

dismally ignorant schoolmaster, cruel to his charges. [Br. Lit.: Dickens Nicholas Nickleby]

Swift, Kate

stern schoolteacher, takes pains to encourage any signs of genius. [Am. Lit.: Anderson Winesburg, Ohio in Benét, 1095]

village schoolmaster

stern yet kind; the rustics wondered “that one small head could carry all he knew.” [Br. Poetry: Gold-smith The Deserted Village in Magill IV, 823]