Beginning a new study involves considerations both of strategy and of tactics. The strategic objective is to impart to the study a sense of purpose, to arouse interest in it, to encourage the pupil to accept the challenge which is implicit in the new situation which confronts him. The tactical question involves the choice of method.

So far as strategy is concerned, the older student beginning algebra has no difficulty in recognising its practical importance in science and technology, where the power of its language to exhibit and clarify relational patterns is manifested. The appeal by way of vocational and cultural interests has been made successfully in various popular books for adults and “second-tryers”; these interests simplify the teaching problem, and the teacher can proceed at an early stage to give training in analysis and expression.