Page:Robert's Parliamentary Practice.djvu/205

Rh With beginners a small class is desirable as it offers opportunity for much individual practice in presiding and in making motions. With classes somewhat advanced the larger class promotes greater enthusiasm. With the latter the best work can probably be done in classes of from twenty to thirty in number.

Where possible it will generally be found advisable to allow an hour and a half for a lesson. This gives ample time for having drills in addition to the study of the new material. Whenever time permits, the drill should be repeated with different presiding officers. It is important that every member should have an opportunity to preside.

The time required to complete this elementary course must depend upon the ability and maturity of the students, and their previous knowledge of the subject as well as upon the length of the lesson periods.

Drill practice is just as necessary in learning parliamentary law as in learning to swim or to drive an automobile. Practice must go with theory. It may be well at the opening of each meeting to call for criticisms of the previous meeting. This will encourage members to investigate between the meetings all questions that have arisen upon which they have the slightest doubt. This book has been arranged with a view to giving practice on every new point as soon as it is presented.

The teacher should have a knowledge of the