The Power of Confucian Inspired Teaching: Beyond Rote Learning

7·8 The Master said, “If you do not arouse (1) him, you cannot enlighten (2) him; if you do not make him speak (3), you cannot instruct him. If you teach him one thing and he does not understand it from the three things, you will not teach him again.”

[Annotation]

(1) Arouse: to think hard and meditate, but still not be able to understand.

(2)悱: fěi, the sound of wanting to say something but not being able to say it clearly.

(3)隅: yǔ, corner.

Translation

Confucius said, “When teaching a student, I don’t enlighten him until he wants to understand but cannot; I don’t inspire him until he wants to come up with an answer but cannot. If I teach him one aspect of something and he cannot infer the other three aspects from it, then I don’t teach him anymore.”

[Commentary]

In Chapter 21 of the “Yongye” chapter, Confucius said, “Those above the average can be taught the higher level; those below the average cannot be taught the higher level.” This chapter continues to discuss his educational methods. Here, he puts forward the idea of “heuristic” teaching. In terms of teaching, he opposes the “duck-feeding” and “full-hall-pouring” methods. He required students to be able to “use one example to infer three,” and on the basis of students’ full and independent thinking, he then enlightened and enlightened them. This is in line with the basic laws of teaching and has a profound impact. It can still be used as a reference in today’s teaching process.

“Teach students not when they struggle to understand, but when they are eager to learn; not when they hesitate to express themselves, but when they are on the verge of articulating their thoughts. If a student can’t deduce three other aspects from one taught, there’s no point in further instruction.”

This approach is described in detail in the Analects, where Confucius advocates for a teaching style that fosters deep understanding and intellectual curiosity.

Understanding the Confucian Approach to Education

Confucius believed that true education goes beyond the mere transmission of facts. Instead, it should ignite a student’s passion for learning and their ability to think independently. This is evident in his quote: “Teach students not when they struggle to understand, but when they are eager to learn; not when they hesitate to express themselves, but when they are on the verge of articulating their thoughts.”

By doing so, Confucius emphasized the importance of timing in teaching. He suggested that teachers should step in only when students are on the brink of grasping a concept or expressing an idea. This method ensures that students develop the skills to learn and think on their own rather than relying solely on their teachers.

Encouraging Independent Thought

The phrase “If a student can’t deduce three other aspects from one taught, there’s no point in further instruction” highlights the importance Confucius placed on independent thinking. He believed that education should empower students to apply their knowledge to new situations and to explore ideas on their own.

This principle is still relevant today. Modern education systems often emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills, recognizing that these abilities are crucial for success in an ever-changing world. Encouraging students to think independently prepares them for the complexities of real-life challenges.

The Relevance of Confucian Teachings Today

Confucius’s ideas about education remain influential. The emphasis on critical thinking and independent learning aligns with contemporary educational practices that value student-centered learning environments. By fostering these skills, educators can help students become more adaptable and innovative thinkers.

In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to learn independently and think critically is more important than ever. Confucius’s teachings offer valuable insights into how educators can nurture these skills in their students. By applying these timeless principles, teachers can create a more engaging and effective learning experience that prepares students for the future.