Methods of Scout Instruction
The methods of instruction listed below are arranged approximately in the
order of their interest appeal to boys. Games head the list and Book Study
brings up the rear!
This does not mean that Book Study, Lectures, and Recitations are not to be
used. They have a real value in perfecting and completing knowledge of a given
subject.
Each subject should be introduced as attractively as possible. Let the boy
learn the elements of each subject through Play, Competition, Dramatization, and
Experiment. He will absorb knowledge unconsciously and his interest will be
gripped. Then, make his knowledge definite, using the more formal methods of
instruction.
The Nine Methods
Play
Many good games also give instruction in Scouting. For example, " Hare
and Hounds " (see Handbook for Boys), is perhaps the best method of
teaching tracking.
Competition
Competition against time, against each other, and between teams may be
utilized in practicing most of the Scout requirements. If no other kind of
contest can be imagined, it is always possible to have a competitive "quiz:"
Competitive Method for Teaching Bandaging.
C. F. Smith, Teachers College, Columbia University.
Scouts are paired off, each pair has one triangular bandage. Instructor
demonstrates head bandage slowly. Then, "Do it with Me." He repeats
bandage, step by step, Scouts following. Then, "Try it alone." A Scout who ails drops out of the group to practice
under tutelage of one who knows the bandage.
Repeat until all have learned bandage. Then, "Tie your bandage before
I count ten." Then, "Tie bandage before I count five." Then,
" See who can tie bandage the quickest. Go." Then, relay bandage
tying.
Dramatization
Dramatization is the best way of presenting first aid problems.
The use of compass, signaling, and life saving may also be impressed vividly
on the boy's mind by a realistic staging.
Experiment
Fire building, cooking, and many other activities the scout will learn best
by trial. His very mistakes will teach him. The Scout may devour gleefully a
soggy pancake, but an hour later he will be much less enthusiastic, and the next
time he will use more care in his cooking.
Actual use of Scoutcraft is the best means of practice. The way to learn
Craftsmanship is to make articles. The way to learn map making is to make maps.
And so on.
Observation
Many subjects will depend, in whole or part, on observation. Bird Study and
Forestry are among those largely dependent on the Scout's observation.
Demonstration
Charts and blackboards may be used to illustrate a subject such as map
reading or the use of the compass. Models, photos, and drawings are often
useful, as in nature study.
Motion picture films and lantern slides, which may be secured without cost
through University Extension Centers, may be used to advantage in teaching
Safety First and many other subjects.
A demonstration by experienced Scouts is one of the best ways of presenting
signaling and first aid.
Recitation
Discussion among themselves will bring out and strengthen the boys' knowledge
of such subjects as hiking technique. Each boy will have an "idea" of his own.
One of the best methods of review is the use of competitive quizzes, such as
the following:
Spell-down: Scoutmaster and instructor ask questions of
increasing difficulty. Each Scout falls out as he fails to answer.
Inter-Patrol Quiz: Two patrols "quiz " each other
alternately. Scoutmaster to decide on the fairness of questions and keep score
of correct answers.
Scout Baseball:
Four bases and a pitcher's box are marked out, as far apart as the space
available permits, with players' benches on either side of the home plate. A brick or a chalk mark is sufficient, as the game is a mental
rather than a physical one. A list of questions has been made up beforehand, all
of which any Scout in the troop should be able to answer. Two captains are selected who
choose up for sides and for "ins
" and "outs." The Scoutmaster or a patrol leader acts as umpire.
The play is begun by the pitcher "pitching" one of the questions
on the list that has been prepared The batter "takes a swing at it."
If he answers correctly, it is a "hit" and he goes to first base. If not he
is "out." Three "outs" retire the side and the opposing side comes to
bat. Base runners are advanced by being forced. If three men get on
base, the pitcher is considered as being "batted out of the box" and a
substitute is put in. A new pitcher is substituted each inning. Only runs count
in the score.
The code of questions used must be revised as the players advance in skill.
For instance, for beginners in Semaphore signaling, only the first seven letters
may be used at the start. Then as the players become proficient a few more letters may be added at a time until finally the
batter is sending words or messages. Chas. F. Smith.
Lecture:
Talks by competent men, if not too long winded, are always welcomed by the
Scout. The Scoutmaster can himself make clear to the Scout by short talks the
reason for various things, for example, the thrift requirement.
Book Study:
When the Scout desires to study thoroughly a subject he will have to refer to
text books. He should be guided in his search for books and encouraged in his
research. Such technical subjects as Wireless Telegraphy could never be taught
in the meeting, but the boys can study them up outside.
The Methods of Scouting
