PART FOUR

ELEMENTS 0F METHODOLOGY

NATURE AND PURPOSE 0F THIS PART

70 Within our present century, catechists have thoroughly investigated questions raised by the psychological, educational, and pedagogical sciences. indeed, studies have been undertaken with regard 10 the method to be used in the catechism lesson; the mole of activity methods in the teaching of catechesis has been pointed out; the act of catechesis has been investigated in ail its parts according to the principles which govern the art of teaching (experience, imagination, memory, intelligence); and finally, a differential methodology has been worked out, that is, a methodology which varies according to the age, social conditions, and degree of psychological maturity of those who are 10 be laugh.

Not ail problems of this sort are considered here; rather, here are set forth only certain points to which great importance is being attributed today. Attacking these problems in an appropriate and specific way in individual countries will be the task of the various directories and the other tools.