The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1860-11-22
Proceedings OgsEe Potter Conn
~ Teachers Institute.
reported for tie Pouer 10.
TUESDAY, NOV. Is, 1860.

Sanders. Music by the choir. Calling
of the roll by the Secretary.
1st exercise, Elocution, conducted by
Prof. Sanders. This exercise consisted
principally of a drll in the ~consonant
combinations previous to which, howev-
or, Prof. Sanders made sOme very appro-
pirate remarks upon the popular error
which attaches such an undue Importance
to Arithmetic, Grammar &c, to the neg
Iect Of Reading; also upon a few of the
most prominent errors prevalent In teach
ing this science the most important Of
which was, allowing pupils to dabble in
subjects beyond their comprehension, such
as the essays of Macaulay, Irving, &c,
which must necessarily be buta tumble Of
meaningless words to the infant mind.
He exhorted the teachers to sec to it, that
they eradicate this error, at least from
their own teaching. I'd exercise, Practi-
cal Arithmetic, conducted By Prof. Coop
err. The question propounded the day
previous, to wit: Why are the signif-
cant figures called dieits ?" was called up
but not having received sufficient atten
ton was laid over. A thorough drill was
then given in Numeration, Notation aud
Addition. Prof. Cooper recommended a
great amount of practice in these clement
airy parts Of the science, particularly Ad-
dition, as it was well calculated to secure
rapidity and accuracy in computation.
Intermission followed by singing.
Sd exercise. 4 review OF the previ-
Gus lessons in photography, and a short
drill for the Elocutionary class, by Prof.
Sanders. Adjourned until 2 O'Clock P. NJ,
AFTERNOON SESSION. NJ. ,
1st exercise, Grammar, conducted by
Prof. Lewis. Mr.. Lewis said, that most
persons were better qualified in almost
any other branch than in Grammar, it
being usually considered a third or fourth
rate study. He then proceeded to ex-
plain the two opposite methods of teach
ing this science, viz: the Analytic and
Sympathetic. OF these, the former he
recommended for advanced, and the lat,
ter for primary classes. He also spoke
at some length upon the subject of Ian
GUAGE, tracing it through the various
stages of representing things by models,
pictures, symbols and arbitrary charac-
tiers, which last may be subdivided into
the verbal, the syllable and the alphabet
ic systems. Intermission and singing.
ID exercise, Geography, conducted BY
Prof. Cooper. The division of Geogra-
ply into Mathematical, Physical, Phe-
nomenal and Political, vas recommended
to the teachers as a very convenient and
practical one. Mathematical Geography
was then taken up and the position Of the
earth in relation to the sun, moon and
stars its motions-three in number, dali
ly, annual and secular-and the resultant
effects. The several proofs of the Earth's
rotundity, viz: decentralization, appear
ance of ships at sea, its shadow, &C., were
also fully illustrated. A general survey
Of the map of the Earth was then taken,
the points of similarity between its diff
ferent portions and the effects upon the
manners, habits, and destinies Of nations,
resulting from their particular forms no
ticed. Sd exercise, Spelling, conducted
by Prof. Sanders. Adjourned until 81
O'Clock P. NJ.
;, EVENING SESSION. eeat -
Opened by the discussion Of the fol,
lowing question " What are the means
and the necessity OF self improvement
within reach of the teacher?" The dis.
c%ussion was participated in by the major
! itv of the members in a manner that ex.
) hibited IA due appreciation of its import,
f ancc and no lack of interest in whatever
pertains to the educational well being OF
, the country. After the discussion, the
audience were favored by a lecture from
. Prof. Z. r. Campbell, School Commits
! sioner of Allegany County, n. Y, upon
Teachers Influence" The lecturerpro
ceeded in his agreeable and impressive
. style to awaken in the mind of the teach.
J ers a due appreciation of the dignity, i'm.
portance and usefulness of their vocation
: arising from the potency Of their infeuce
which from the impressions it made upon
the plastic mind of youth, the direction
I IL SdNSI IiCIi IlouEhts ~ hdp4VS "oulO
to an almost uncomfortable extent deter
mine their future lives and characters
I This he illustrated by familiar and appo
site examples, He also urged upon the
2 teachers the Importance of beginning
Alright of "steering the ship in the right
, direction" for if on weighing an anchor
r they allowed it to float down stream a few
days, " allowed matters to run" very like
" matters would continue to run, unit
his exit from the school house door o.
window wonld terminate the drama. Th(
/ lecturer was listened to with marked at
%tention. After the lecture, the audience
S listened for a short time to the elocution
t airy powers Of Prof. Sanders. Adjourned
WEDNESDAY MORNING. NOV. II. 1860.