The real aim of the study of history is to enable students to develop conviction about their values and beliefs. To promote this end, the teacher must take a strong hand in helping students identify the broad themes that they should trace in their reading and class discussion. The point of discussion is to organize facts and develop generalizations. Since the success of a discussion class is directly proportional to the amount of student participation, fifteen students is probably the upper limit for the size of the class. It is important to develop in students the ability not only to speak and to clarify their own thinking but also to listen constructively to others. In addition to class discussion, instructors should assign a good deal of writing in the form of short papers, hour-long examinations, and quizzes. In an advanced history course, students should be required to write a longer research paper that is generally based on primary history sources. Emphasis should be on the process of critical thinking and the confidence to think independently. (JD)