Willing, M. H. (1923). Teaching Composition in France. [Review of the book My Class in Composition, A Teacher's Diary. J. Bezard]. Journal of Educational Psychology, 14(8), 511-512.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0069711
Reviews the book "My Class in Composition, A Teacher's Diary," by J. Bezard (1923). Features Phyllis Robbins' translation of Mr. Bezard's intimate account of what he says and does when teaching "Class 2" boys (16 to 18 years of age) composition in France. In this new book on teaching French composition, one's interest is likely to center finally in Mr. Bezard, the teacher, rather more than in Mr. Bezard's method. The method, if Mr. Bezard is left out, seems traditional, academic, and what we in America are inclined to call unpsychological. But the teacher in this case has the breadth of view, a sensitivity to boyish life, the facility of mind, and, above all, the good sense to make any method work. Perhaps the American teacher of composition might profitably consider again, in the light of Mr. Bezard and his success, the validity of such ideas as these: The teacher of composition should be a person of outstanding culture and of wide interests. He should be able to write well himself and to demonstrate this for his pupils. Reading experiences may be more valuable for theme material than "personal experiences." The building of character should be a very conscious aim in composition teaching. Classic models are well worth imitation. Themes should be less frequent and more discursive. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)