The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1830-04-28
FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY.
CONVENTION OF SCHOOL TEACHER


Agreeably to a previous notice, a large number
. of teachers and Others friendly to popular edu-
cation, met in Convention in Worcester on the
18th instant, and several succeeding days, for
the purpose of aseettaining the defects, and de-
vising means ofimproving our Common Schools
The meeting was attended by teachers and
clergymen from a large number of our towns
and by individuals from this and the neighbor.
ing States. The objects for which they were
assembled, the valuable information which was
given-the interest which was excited, and the
various suggestions which were made by diff
terent individuals engaged in the same difficult
and responsible Office of educating the youth of
the sommunity,-claim for the meeting an at
tention beyond the place and the hour in which
it was held.
The Convention was organized by the choice
of Rev. Mr.. Allen of Marlborough, Chairman,
and Daniel Stone, Esq, of Worcester, Secre-
tary. The first subject considered by the meet
ing was the present condition Of our common
schools On this subject, addresses were made
by Rev. Messrs. Going and Hill of Worcester,
Mr.. johnson of Princeton, and the Chairman
Their Importance was acknowledged. 1t was
urged, that if there be any thing in which, as
men, as citizens, and as christians, we are in
terested, it is our common schools If there be
any thing for which we owe a debt of gratitude
to the pilgrims, which as their descendants
ought to oe our pride and our boast, it is those
humble seminaries in which the poor and the
rich together are educated. They have done
incalculable good, and on these we should look
with hope for the future character of the coun-
try. But, great as has been :heir benefit, when
we consider the immense sums which are ex-
pended on them, in providing rooms, books, in
structors-when we consider the number of
years that are spent within the walls of the
school room, it must be confessed we do not see
the results which ought to be expected. Com
mon education is not what it should be what
the means of improvement and the age demand
What, then, is the cause of this inefficiencv of
our common schools? What are their defect S;
Various causes were stated by several gentle
men. The principal Area wrong selection OF
school books want of sufficient interest on
the subject in the community; want of quail.
iication on the part of the instructors a wrong
method of imparting instruction; a wrong con.
struction Of the school room. These TOPICS
were brought before the meeting, and discus
sions Of great interest grew out Of them. Com.
mittees were appointed to examine and point
out the remedies of these defects.
At an adjourned meeting, the Rev. Mr.. AL
len made an interesting report on the subject Of
school books stated the defects of many in
common use, and recommended in part selec
ton which his own observation and the expe
rience of many teachers present had proved
most useful. This was recommitted with in
structions to report more full course at flu
ture meeting. 1t is regretted that a list of the
best books could not now be given to the pub
lie, for it is believed that one difficulty unde,
which many schools labor, is the use Of books o.
inferior value.
The next subject brought before the meet
ing, was the influence of Lyceums on school,
and education generally Measrs Wilder o.
fthRrltOn ND HoIhr00k IF
ject made some interesting remarks The
great influence Of Lyceums, it is believed is moi
yet fully understood. They are adapted to sup
ply want in the community which our school,
and academies do not. They are adapted t,
give that knowledge to which all other educa
ton is but preparatory. They are essentially
practical; they teach us to apply the knowi
edge and principles which VIC have gained else
where to the obligations and wants of our stu
aton: they assist in self education (; and inter
esting as they do the attention wherever they
are established, employing that time which
would be else thrown away or worse thar
thrown away-they must exert a beneficial in
huence upon the community. They tend t
raise the character of schools by the knowl dg
which they afford the instructors by exertin,
interest and emulation among the older schoi
ars, and by awakng and keeping alive the in
terest of parents on the important subject o
pQuchtion. Even IeUhlo byCeuhiS, IL was main
tanned, might be established in every town, an'
by familiar lectures and mutual instruction
every town might educate its own teachers.
A report was then made by Rev Mr.. Going
from the committee on improved methods o
imparting instruction, especially on the infan
school system, and its adaptation TO primary
schools in general. The merits Of this system
were discussed, and is advantages strongl,
urged II was remarked that it is adapted /,
the young mind, with some notifications, in al
its stages. The same system is adopted in on
higher semnaries, and is peculiarly fitted Il
make the path of education smooth and pleas
ant making the learner understand at ever,
stop. 1t is fitted to develop the powers by max
ing the child exercise them; and to strengthen