Quintilian held some criticisms against some teachers of his time, what were they?

Class, Quintilian had some strong criticisms against certain teachers of his time. He didn’t like how some teachers focused too much on making themselves look smart without really helping students understand the subjects.

These teachers were good at appearing competent, but they didn’t truly master the subjects they taught. Quintilian believed that this kind of superficial cleverness might impress students at first, but it wouldn’t benefit them in the long run, especially if they wanted to become effective speakers.

Quintilian thought that teachers should be patient with their students. While they could push students to do their best, they shouldn’t rush them. He believed in the importance of individuality and giving personal attention to each student. He encouraged students to learn on their own through self-effort.

Additionally, Quintilian was against using physical punishment, like whipping students. He thought it was counterproductive because it only made students afraid of their teachers and the subjects they were studying. He believed in a more supportive and encouraging approach to teaching.

So, in essence, Quintilian wanted teachers to focus on helping students truly understand and excel in their subjects, be patient with them, and avoid using physical punishment.

Evaluation

1. Quintilian criticized teachers for encouraging ________ of style.
a) deep understanding
b) superficial cleverness
c) creativity

2. He believed that some teachers appeared competent without ________ the subject matter.
a) mastering
b) discussing
c) ignoring

3. According to Quintilian, cleverness might impress students initially, but it wouldn’t benefit them ________.
a) in the long run
b) immediately
c) during exams

4. Quintilian emphasized the importance of helping students become ________ speakers.
a) effective
b) confident
c) bookish

5. He recommended that teachers encourage students to learn on their own through ________.
a) self-effort
b) group discussions
c) memorization

6. Quintilian believed in giving ________ attention to each student.
a) individual
b) collective
c) minimal

7. He was against using ________ punishment in teaching.
a) corporal
b) psychological
c) verbal

8. Quintilian thought that physical punishment generated ________ in students.
a) fear
b) respect
c) curiosity

9. He suggested that teachers should not unduly ________ their students.
a) rush
b) praise
c) ignore

10. According to Quintilian, teachers should focus on helping students ________ the subjects.
a) understand
b) memorize
c) criticize

11. He believed that teachers should support students in their pursuit of ________.
a) knowledge
b) creativity
c) obedience

12. Quintilian’s approach to teaching emphasized ________ and personal attention.
a) individuality
b) conformity
c) competition

13. He thought that encouraging students to find out things on their own through self-effort was ________.
a) beneficial
b) detrimental
c) irrelevant

14. Quintilian believed that superficial cleverness might impress students in the ________ of their pupils.
a) eyes
b) hearts
c) dreams

15. His criticisms of some teachers were aimed at improving the education of future ________.
a) orators
b) writers
c) scientists

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