The Goodhue volunteer. [volume] (Red Wing, Goodhue County, Minn.) 1861-1864, 1863-04-22
Ganratiunal @epnrtment.
EDITED BY
PROF. JABEZ BROOKS.
EmcrsOn's Maxims Of Eltuc;atiOn:

EMcrsOn'S Maxims OF Education:
These 'maxims' were included unde
twenty nine heads, with practical remarks
under several of them. We have room onl
for the most important. They contain
much practical wisdom, are the results c
careful study and large experience, and hay
been found to stand the test, when tried
We would earnestly recommend their care
full study to all teachers, especially the youn
and inexperienced:
! !, Let it be your grand object to pre-
pare your pupils for the greatest userulnes
and enjoyment
4. Teach for eternity!
8. Teach nothing, but what appears con
ducive to the usefulness of your pupils,
improved according to its natural tendcnc,
and influence.
8. Let every branch receive attention, /,
proportion to it's probable utility.
10. AS far as possible, make your pupil
perceive and feel the importance of every
branch they pursue.
II. proceed systematically and, as far a.
possible, teach those things first, which ar
first in order Of nature, and which may bt
understood, without an acquaintance with
other things, to be subsequently acquired
~. AS far as possible teach those things
first, which are easiest in themselves.
13. In giving instruction., proceed very
gradually and by the shortest steps, from
the more easy to the more difficult.
IA. AS far as may be, see that your pu
pills understand each step before proceeding
to the next
Is. Never teach them directly, what they
can conveniently learn without such assis
tance.
Remarks. 1t is much better for them to
surmount difficulty by their own insenu
ity and efforts, than by the aid of others.
1t may be much more useful for them to
divIse a method Of obtaining an answer,
than actually to perform the operation that
obtains it. When principle or fact is thus
discovered by reflection or investigation, it
is likely to be much more clearly under
stood in its nature and connection, than
when it is learned directly, by means of
verbal or printed instructions. This is the
way to promote their fondness for STUDY. to
toster original genius, and to invigoratc and
elevate their intellectual powers. 1t is a
most unpropitious symptom for pupil to
I've continually asking. How shall do this? :?
How shall I do this ?' without attempting
to discover the method of solution. It is
also cruel kindness, that is incessantly
telling and aiding the pupils in doing that,
which, without such assistance, he might
easily accomplish. IF your pupils can not
or will not proceed without such abundant
aid, it may be expedient to place them
in lower class.
16. Never do for your pupils what they
can do for themselves, except so far as may
be necessary, to set an example.
r aa4rzs. The time that teacher
spends in reading, spelling. mending their
pens ruling their paper, &C., 's perhaps
generally worse than lost. It deprives
them, IN some measure at least Of the priv
i'ege of learning. As far as possible pre-
vent your pupils from retarding the pro
sress Of one another, by affording to each
other this unnecessary aid.
ls, Never indulge your pupil in saying
'cnn't,' or expressing inability to perform
any exercise required
Remarks. They know not what they can
effect, till they make the attempt; and. If
one attempt has proved fruitless, another
may succeed: and, if nine have been un-
fortunate, the tenth may be successful.
10. Freely endu'ge and encourage your
pupils in asking questions and il possible
lead 90 the answer by questioning them.
Remarks. This is the method of Postal
|oszi, and is perhaps the most distinguished
characteristic Of that venerable man. But
he did not invent this methed; or, if he
did, he was not the first inventor. It was
practiced by Socrates, more than 2ooO years
ago; and it has the sanction Of greater
than Socrates. In this way the Saviour IN
s'ructed bis disciples, from day to day. 1,
is agreeable to the direction contained in the
sixth OF Deuteronomy. and these words
which I command thee this day, shall be in
thine heart anu thou shalt teach them dill
igently to thy children, and shalt talk OF
them, when thou sistest in the house and
when thou waIkest by the way !; when thou
lest down, and when thou risest up-'
20 Teach yoar pupils 70 teach them
selves ..s, ..s%s.Zs.~.... .~s
Remarks The benefits Of this win Be-
much everY war. Il viii conduct 10 &C.
|qnaintanee with their own faculties, md
render their progress more pleasant and