תלמוד בבלי מסכת בבא בתרא דף כא עמוד א
ואמר רבא: הני תרי מקרי דרדקי, חד גריס ולא דייק וחד דייק ולא גריס - מותבינן ההוא דגריס ולא דייק, שבשתא ממילא נפקא. רב דימי מנהרדעא אמר: מותבינן דדייק ולא גריס, שבשתא כיון דעל - על
Raba said: If there are two teachers of whom one knows a lot of material but makes mistakes and one of whom knows less but does not make mistakes, we appoint the one who knows a lot and makes mistakes because the mistakes will correct themselves. R. Dimi from Nehardea on the other hand said that we appoint the one who knows less but makes no mistakes, for once a mistake is implanted it cannot be eradicated. [Translation by CAJE]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. Which of the opinions do you agree with - Can mistakes correct themselves? Are they irreversable?
2. What is the most important quality in a teacher?
3. What are the underlying educational values motivating each of the two opinions?
Time Period: Rabbinic (Maccabees through the Talmud)