Dmitri Mendeleev: "A teacher's true work is accomplished solely through nerves"

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Course with employment: "The profession of a Methodologist from scratch to PRO"

The experience of the global educational process confirms the need for periodic complete rest for both teachers and students. Teachers need rest for several reasons. Firstly, the work of a teacher requires significant nervous expenditure. It's important that they inspire students to work hard and develop a mindful approach to life, which to the inexperienced may seem chaotic. Theoretical reasoning alone, even with a high level of conscientiousness, cannot achieve a deep understanding of a subject and leave a meaningful mark on learning. Effective teaching requires emotional engagement, which cannot be maintained without periods of rest. Secondly, teachers must constantly develop and stay abreast of current trends in their field. They must not remain stagnant, as the educational process should be free of dead topics or outdated knowledge. Ensuring the relevance of content and teaching methods is also an important part of a teacher's work.

Teachers need to stay current on modern scientific topics and technologies, such as wireless communications, to effectively answer questions from students and their parents. However, keeping up with new knowledge and delving into science without sufficient free time is extremely difficult. Teachers are often forced to postpone self-study until the holidays, which are often shorter than the students'. This is especially noticeable in the lead-up to exams, when the workload increases and re-exams are required. Under such conditions, teachers cannot remain calm and focused, which negatively impacts the quality of education. If a teacher does not feel confident and calm, they cannot be expected to be highly effective teachers. Good teachers who can inspire and teach children are becoming a rarity; as a result, we end up with only performers, not true mentors. This is also true for students: adequate rest and recuperation are necessary for them to perceive new knowledge with optimism. Without this, high-quality learning and development are impossible.

The physical side of a developing body requires adequate rest, which is a generally accepted truth. Students benefit greatly from rest, especially when there are no stressful situations such as exams before and after school breaks. It is important to interrupt the educational process during the breaks so that students can recuperate and improve their learning. In his "Notes on Russian Education," D. I. Mendeleev raises important issues related to education and scientific development in Russia. He emphasizes the importance of education in shaping public consciousness and improving living conditions. The book explores ideas that contribute to an understanding of the role of science in Russian society. The importance of education is emphasized as a necessary factor for the country's progress and development. Mendeleev shares his thoughts on how education can become the basis for the intellectual and cultural enrichment of the nation. His thoughts remain relevant in the modern context, emphasizing the integral connection between knowledge and social development.

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Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev (1834–1907) was an outstanding Russian educator and scientist. He completed his studies at the Main Pedagogical Institute, after which he taught at a gymnasium for two years. Mendeleev later became a professor at the Imperial University of St. Petersburg, where he taught students. His contributions to science and education left a significant mark on Russian history.

After many years dedicated to teaching, he wrote a series of essays in which he outlined his views on improving the educational system of his time. He emphasized the need to update both school and university education. In his articles, beginning in 1899, he argued: "Many forms of life have changed, while teaching methods have become outdated, and the time has come to think about reforming them."

Photo: TsGAKFFD SPb / "Archives of St. Petersburg"

Dmitry Ivanovich seriously criticized the examination system in schools and universities that existed at his time. He believed that instead of traditional exams and preparation for them, students could use this time for rest and full-fledged study, which, in turn, would reduce the overall time required to obtain an education. Mendeleev noted that in the senior classes of gymnasiums, exams take about a month and a half. During this time, the educational process in other classes stops or is significantly reduced, since teachers are also overloaded with examination work.

Thus, the actual amount of time allotted for normal education is no more than 7.5 months per year, taking into account vacation periods. If we add one and a half months, the total time of study increases to 9 months. As a result, instead of 6 years of study, it would be possible to fit it into 5 years, reducing the term of study in secondary educational institutions by one year. Eliminating exams could significantly streamline the educational process, reducing its duration and increasing its effectiveness.

Assessing students' knowledge should be based on deeper principles than traditional exams. Professor Mendeleev argued that school teachers should have a good understanding of their students' abilities even without formal exams. He believed that promotion to the next grade and graduation from high school should be based on annual grades and the opinions of teachers. In universities, he believed, exams should focus on the practical application of knowledge. Students should demonstrate their skills through assignments, not simply answer theoretical questions. This approach will allow us to more accurately assess the level of preparation and abilities of students.