A day at Hogwarts.

Chapter 666 The Foundations of Education
Under the gloomy London sky, a light drizzle fell, making it the perfect day to work overtime on the weekend.

Today, the Ministry of Magic is holding an exercise to test the newly installed security system. Charles arrived early and sipped tea before the exercise began.

In the Minister of Magic's office, Scrimgeour sat upright in a high-backed chair, his lion-mane hair and angular face exuding an undeniable majesty, like a lion poised to pounce.

His sharp gaze was fixed on the young man across the desk, trying to glean any clues from the other man's expression.

"I heard that you met with the mysterious man in private?" The minister's voice was rough and powerful, each word carrying immense weight.

Charles, holding his teacup, shrugged and said, "He got me out of Gringotts, so I have to pay him something."

"It was through this that I learned that the Death Eaters in Farbatton Castle were anything but obedient."

Scrimgeour nodded, seemingly confirming his suspicions.

That was the end of that. He then brought up the matter at Hogwarts: "I've heard some recent news from Hogwarts. Professor Umbridge reported that many students performed poorly in their monthly exams."

Charles put down his teacup, leaned back comfortably in his armchair, and replied, “Indeed, Minister. That was precisely the original intention behind Hermione and her colleagues establishing the Symposium on Academic Progress and Enhancement.”

Scringer leaned forward, his hands clasped on the table, showing his keen interest in the topic.

“Tell me more about this… academic progress and advancement seminar,” he said with a hint of curiosity. “I heard you played a key role in it.”

“They just want to help students who are having academic difficulties.” Charles’s tone was calm and normal, as if he were talking about something that had nothing to do with him. “I think that Hogwarts’ teaching methods may sometimes be imperfect.”

Scrimgeour let out a low chuckle, and said with a hint of something unusual in his voice, "That's a very euphemistic way of putting it."

"But as far as I know, what you've done goes far beyond just tutoring."

He learned from Umbridge's report that the organization was very well-organized and had undiscovered secret activities.

Charles's position within the organization and his private relationship with Voldemort led him to some different speculations.

Charles, unaware of what the minister was thinking, said casually, "You're right, Mr. Minister."

"The Academic Progress and Enhancement Seminar ostensibly provides academic tutoring, but in reality it is an experimental project for teacher education."

Scrinker raised an eyebrow, showing interest in this novel concept, and asked with puzzlement, "Teacher training?"

“That’s right.” Charles’s gaze became focused. “Teacher training aims to systematically cultivate professional professors.”

"It is not only about imparting knowledge, but also about cultivating teaching skills, professional ethics and personal development in a comprehensive way, which can be called an educational model that shapes professors in all aspects."

Scrimgeour frowned slightly; this was a question he had never considered before. He gestured for Scrimgeour to continue, and his expression became serious.

“In the traditional sense, teacher training means being a teacher with high academic qualifications and upright character,” Charles continued. “This accurately summarizes its essence: professors must not only have profound knowledge but also high moral character, becoming role models for students so that they can be influenced in character while acquiring knowledge.”

Scrimgeour pondered for a moment. He had been in the Auror system for a long time and didn't really know much about the education system. He relied more on professionals like Dumbledore.

The minister slowly began, “Why do you think Hogwarts needs this? Our professors are all experts in their respective fields and enjoy a high reputation in the wizarding world.”

This was not just his personal opinion, but a consensus among all British wizards.

“But an expert is not necessarily a good professor,” Charles said gently but earnestly. “There is a world of difference between being an expert and being a good teacher.”

“A great spell master may find it hard to understand why students cannot master basic spells; this is the gap between professional knowledge and teaching ability.”

"Teacher education system transforms subject knowledge into teachable knowledge, that is, presents content in a way that students can understand."

“Professors with professional training know how to design teaching objectives and organize the teaching process, thereby greatly improving teaching efficiency and enabling more students to truly master magical knowledge.” Scrimgeour’s expression grew increasingly serious as he realized the profoundness of this insight.

What Charles described doesn't necessarily only happen at Hogwarts; Scrimgeour often encounters similar situations during Auror training and practice.

Scrimgeour said in a deep voice, "Please continue."

“More importantly, the professor’s work involves people who are growing up.” Charles’s tone became more solemn, and every word carried a heavy weight. “Children and adolescents’ cognitive and emotional development has its own specific patterns.”

"Psychology courses in teacher education can help professors understand these principles and avoid using inappropriate teaching methods, which could otherwise cause irreversible damage to students' development."

"For example, there are rumors that after Professor Snape's house was bombed, many bars experienced a small business boom."

He was right to use Snape as an example, but he played a trick on his argument. A bar's peak business hours could be due to people having more drinks to inquire about and discuss news, or it could be a celebration, depending on how the minister interprets it.

Scrinker nodded slowly and said, "So, in your opinion, the students in this workshop are not only imparting knowledge, but also cultivating their ability to teach others."

“I can understand that.”

"Professors are not only transmitters of knowledge, but also guides of students' values ​​and shapers of their character."

"This is especially important in today's world, as students face increasingly complex temptations and challenges, and the right values ​​and good character will help them cope with them with ease."

His implication was that students might be drawn to Voldemort's policies and subsequently defect to him.

This is not just wild speculation, because Voldemort's attack on Gringotts caused many wizards to change their opinion of him.

Charles sensed the implied meaning in the minister's words and, instead of following up, continued at his own pace: "From a broader perspective, teacher education has profound strategic significance."

"Education is the foundation of a nation. A country's future competitiveness depends on the quality of its citizens and the quality of its talent, and the magical world is no exception."

Scrimgeour rose and walked to the window, gazing at London through the magically simulated rain. After a moment, he said, "The magical world certainly needs a new way of thinking."

“Furthermore,” Charles continued, “I suggest that Britain learn from magic schools such as the Magic Institute and Beauxbatons and develop preschool education for wizards aged 6 to 11.”

The minister turned around abruptly, his face full of surprise, and asked, "Preschool education?"

Charles said, "Yes."

"At this crucial stage of development, proper guidance can help young wizards better understand and control their own magic, while cultivating a correct understanding of the magical world and laying a solid foundation for their future growth."

A brief silence fell over the office, broken only by the crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace.

Scrimgeour returned to his seat, his expression solemn.

“This is an ambitious plan, young man.” He looked directly at Charles, “but reform is no easy task and will inevitably face many obstacles.”

Charles responded firmly: "Real change is never easy, Mr. Secretary."

"But if we want a brighter future for the magical world, we must start with education, because education is the cornerstone of development."

The minister gazed at Charles for a long time, a barely perceptible smile appearing on his lips, and said, "I will seriously consider your suggestion."

"Now, please tell me more about your specific ideas for this teacher training system..."

(End of this chapter)