Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1861-08-28
TEACHERS INSTITUTE.

Tie Institute began on Monday, Aug. l9.
as advertised, ami continued until Friday
nigh! last week. The attendance was not
quite as full as has generally been the case
heretofore, owing 10 the war excitement and
70 the absence Of quite anumber of our most
active teachers now attending normal schools
But those present manifested most enc0ura-
giHg interest in ali the exercises. and put
forth vigorous efJrts 10 make due prepare.
ton on all the topics assigned.
The Institute is conducted by the County
Superintendent, assisted by Prof. NJ J.
Smith, Principal e Lewistown Academy.
The exercises Of the several days have con
sisted Of drills in the different branches
taught in common schools, with special refer
ence to the best modes OF giving instruction
in the same. Marked attention has been Civ
en- TO the most simple and successful methods
Of teaching the fundamental rules of ar;h-
metic, those teachers who have had large ex-
perience Illustrating the manner which they
have found most satisfactory Prin. Smith
gave his form of analysis and explanation,
and impaired not a little valuable informa
ton respecting the origin of the figures we
use and ofonr present weights and measures
In grammar great pains have been taken to
secure clear idea of the nature and uses Of
good system of analysis, and the progress
IN this branch has been very gratifying
Reading, orthography, mental arithmetic and
geography have been carefully attended to,
and physical exercises have not been neglect
ed.
On Thursday night G. r. Davenport, A.
NJ, of Kishacoquillas Seminary, gave an
elaborate and interesting lecture on the Du-
ties which Teachers owe to Themselves =
Among other duties he urged the importance
OF teachers reading general literature, pre-
serving complete self control, being thorough
ly impartial, guarding against i'll health, and
thinking their calling only one of fseveral hon.
orable professions. Rev. A. Clark, editor of
the School Visitor, made short speech full
of good suggestions and interspersed with
humorous anecdotes.
Friday was given to Prof. Wickersham, who
gave most instructive lectures on the Theory
of Teaching, and illustrated his philosophy by
giving the mode and order of instruction
which he thought judicious to be adopted in
several branches.
lie also gave many valuable suggestions
respecting the course to be pursued in begin
ming and arranging a school; of these sug-
gesuons, the following are most important: :
The teacher should meet his scholars
kindly, and, during the first day, try to win
their confidence. He should allow pupils TO
choose their own seats, but should exercise
general supervision of the operation, and
should cause it to be distinctly understood
that he reserves the right TO change their
seats whenever he judges it necessary. He
should tell them that if they can whisper so
little and so quietly as not to interfere with
the order of the school, he will allow thern TO
whisper about their lessons but if afterward
they become noisy so as to disturb the school,
whispering must be strictly prohibited He
should let them study where they choose, but
have it well understood that be must put
them into classes suited to their actual attain
ments.
The mem bers Of the Institute were very at.