Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-01-12
For the Spectator.
Teachers and Teaching, No. 8.

In this communication the means of exciting
interest In study, will be considered. Teachers
possessing the qualifications, referred in pre-
vious numbers Of this series, consider this a
question Of paramount Importance, How can
we interest our pupils in their studies?' With
much solicltude the attention Is turned to what
motives should De presented, and what methods
should be used, to awaken an abiding interest
in study Such an interest as may not only not
abate during tue schooi-bu5 will continue and
grow after school days have passed away. The
writer believes ehere are not many more serious
mistakes committed by Teachers, than that OF
raising in school on artificial temporary excite.
ment, which may perhaps for the time being,
secure better recitations, but, which does noth-
Ing towards putting the mind into such a con-
dtion, that the pupil will press on in the acqui-
sltion of knowledge even after the living
Teacher has ceased bis instructions.
1t is a tedious, irksome undertaking, to call
the higher principles of our nature into exer-
else, and hence they are prone to be neglected
But 1t is comparatively easy to arouse the lower
principles, and temporary results OF character
highly satisfactory to parents and Teachers. -
But to exercise the lower and neglect the high
er is doing a lasting injury.
In exciting studious interest, 1t Is almost a
universal habit among Teachers TO appeal to
the principle Of emulation, which is found to
greater or less degree In the mind Of every In
telllgent child. What is to be done with this
principle? 10 reach sale conclusion, let the
nearing Of the term emulation be settled
There is q good and a bad sense associated with
the term emulation. If by emulation we mean
desire ter Improvement, an ardent wish to
rise above present attalnments, or even an as
plratlOn to attain emlnence first IN the school,
and then IN he world, the motive Is to be coui-
mended For this is sell, emuation-''a az
dor kindled by the praisewprthy examples of
others lnciting to initiate them, or 10 excel
them, without the desire Of depressing them
is the sense in which the scriptures use the
term in Romans IL, Ali by any means [
may provoke TO emulation them which are OF
my flesh, and might save some OF them. -
This principle OF self emulation Is found in the
mind OF every child and may De safely aroused
and cherished, provided always that emnence
is to be sought from desire to be useful, and
not from a desire of self glorlfcation.
But If emulation means desire OF Surpass-
ing others for the sake Of suvpassins them,
and leads person to be satisfied with the
highest place. no matter whether the position
has been attained by intrinsic merit, or by the
neglect OF others If by this emulation the
child is put into such relation towards others
that their failures i'll be as gratifying to him
as his own success, and be is tempted to the
secret wish that others may miss their lessons
In order to give him an opportunity to gain APP
plause, there can be no question that the prn
ciple is unholy and unworthy and should never
be encouraged or developed. This emulation
possesses none of that noble principle which
rejoices in the success of others. Carried cut
in after life it becomes ambition such as have
fred the breasts of those who have been the
plaques of the world, and prompting them to
seek their ends though millions should perish
and weter in their blood. Il is to this princi-
pie the scriptures refer when emulation is
cassed with the work of the flesh, as hatred
variance emulation, wrath, strife seditions
&C., of the which things as have told You in
times past, that they which do such things
shall not inherit the kingdom OF God. 1t is
Of emulation in the bad sense, that the learned
DR.. Scott says, This thirst for human ap-
plause has caused more horrible violations of
the law of love, and done more to desolate the
earth, than even the grossest sensuaity ever
did
The question now arises, what means should
be used to produce emulation IN the good sense
1t has been very common custom to offer
prizes, but it is quite evident that the tendency