Seongho(星湖)'s Characteristics as a Teacher : Focusing on the Letters sent to His Disciples

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to reflect on the meaning of teaching and gain insight into the mindset and attitude that today's teachers should have by examining the aspects of Seongho(星湖) Lee Ik(李瀷) in the late Joseon Dynasty as a teacher. Methods: To this end, Seongho's thoughts on the purpose, content, and method of teaching, focusing on 『Seonghosaseol(星湖僿說)』, 『Gwakwoorok(藿憂錄)』 and other areas were first reviewed, and based on this, how the actual teachings were carried out, focusing on the letters sent to the disciples such as Yun Dong-gyu(尹東奎), An Jeong-bok(安鼎福), and Shin Hu-dam(愼後聃) were examined. Results: For Seongho, teaching is a process that helps achieve learning, and in the process, the teacher must first possess knowledge and wisdom and play the role of guiding and assisting the learner. Seongho's thoughts were revealed more specifically in his teachings to his disciples. As a result of reviewing the contents of the letters, Seongho, as a teacher, ① wanted to hear warnings rather than praise, ② wanted to learn rather than assert his right and force disciples to accept it, and ③ possessed a sincere desire for the disciples’ academic growth, constantly asking about their progress in studying, and ④ encouraging disciples to raise questions frequently rather than allowing the disciples to accept what they had learned as it is, ⑤ they were encouraged to respect different views with an open and tolerant attitude. Conclusion: This aspect of Seongho reminds today's teacher of the importance of self-awareness and the attitude of learning. Teachers must realize their own inadequacies and constantly strive to learn for the rest of their life. Most of Seongho's letters end with “What do you think [如何]?” The earnestness of listening to and learning the disciples' thoughts on the teachings without forcing them to accept his teachings unconditionally is desperately required for today's teachers.