ABSTRACT
When Lawrence wrote of his teaching experience-'you never know what you have done or if you really have done anything'- he clearly felt the diffuseness and ambiguity of the teacher's role to be a problem. In so far as the teacher's concern goes beyond measurable levels of knowledge and skill to include some influence upon the pupil's sensitivity, appreciation, interests, attitudes and values, then the role has a diffuse commitment. This diffuseness may create conflict or ambiguity for those who wish or need to know if they are accomplishing anything in these areas but cannot, for a number of reasons, have any firm knowledge of this. On the other hand, it can be argued that teachers receive many indications and signs as to the more widespread effects of their work and that only neurotics such as Lawrence would regard diffuseness as a problem in itself.
