The Ideal Education: Some Inspirations from Look at the Fish

Look at the Fish is an account of a lesson benefited Samuel H. Scudder the whole life, from which we can catch a glimpse of what the ideal education is like as well as draw some inspirations for the present-day teaching.

First, in terms of the teaching method, teachers had better adopt the student-centred method that Professor Agassiz employed to instruct Scudder. According to this method, the student is fully responsible for his own learning, while the teacher functions as a guide, supporter and facilitator instead of a lecturer. In the article, the student-centred teaching method worked effectively, as Scudder, guided by Professor Agassiz step by step, finally made great progress in Biology studies.

Second, in terms of the teaching content, teachers should not only impart students with knowledge of a certain field but also influence them with proper attitudes toward study and life. In the article, Professor Agassiz explained to Scudder how to take care of specimens explicitly, and these detailed instructions influenced Scudder with an attitude of rigorousness. Besides, the professor unhesitatingly plunged to the bottom of the jar to produce the fish, and this obviously set an example of bravery and firmness for Scudder.

Last but not least, in terms of the environment for teaching and learning, teachers might as well create a harmonious and supportive one for students. According to Carl Rogers, given a “nonthreatening environment”, a person will automatically grow and learn, and thus become a “fully functioning person”, who lives at peace with all of his feelings and reactions, and is able to reach his full potential. In the article, the constant encouragements from Professor Agassiz reduced Scudder’s anxiety and frustration in face of failure. Thus, Scudder was always motivated to work harder and make new discoveries.

It is really a blessing to encounter teachers like Professor Agassiz. As teachers-to-be, we ought to make it the supreme duty to cast ourselves into another Professor Agassiz. Only in this way can our classes offer the ideal education.