A Study of Two Memory-based and Thought-based Approaches to Methods OFTeachinG with Emphasis on Imam Ali's Views

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) divides the science into two kinds of "heard" (Masmu') science that is heard from outside and "desirable" (Matbu') science which is the outcome of intellect. Accordingly, thought-orientation and memory-orientation are considered two main approaches dominating the methods of teaching. Although today thought-based methods are emphasized, memory- orientation is considered as one of the extensively used approaches. Using a descriptive-analytical method and emphasizing on Imam Ali' views, the present paper investigates the important role of knowledge and intellect in education by defining them and underling the relationship between them to make explicit in order the status they have and the differences between them. Then it defines these two dominating approaches and the methods they adopt. Although the investigation indicates the superiority of using rational education in teaching it proves that the method based on repetition and memory-orientation should not be completely rejected.