Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1870-11-24
TEACHERS INSTITUTE.

The meetings Of the institute, which
have been held during the past week werc
of unusual interest The discussions up
on the different methods of teaching and
governing schools, were lively and point
ed, and showed that whatever may be the
failings Of teachers, lack Of earncstness
cannot be charged sssinst them.
The subject of arithmetic was present
ed by Messrs. Boiler and Nichols. 1t was
claimed by the one that the old method
of teaching mental, previous to written
arithmetic, war preferable, while by The
other il was urged that the two should be
taught together throughout the entire
course of Study 1t was also advocated
that principles should be taught before
rules. The learners progress must and
should be slow at first, in order that q
perfect foundation may be hfd upon
whlch'tc build afterwards. Only those
things should be taught to beginners
which are absolutely necessary for q
commencement of the study. The great
mistake of many teacheas is in burdening
the mind with too many facts and in
supposing that because a. pffhcIple is SIM
pie, it can be understood without explain
alton.
The proper method of teaching spelling
was discussed by Messrs- Bailey, Hervey
and Hume. Illustrations OF the method
of teaching spelling by written exercises
were given, which was thought to be the
best for advanced pupils in regular class
es. but impracticable for small children
or in country schools. The pronuncia-
ton of the word by the pupil previous to
spelling it should be insisted upoa, and
as far as possible correct syllabication
should be required. The repetition of
syllables In lengthy words should be
avoided.
In the same connection were the re-
marks ofiProf Bailey, upon photography.
which is synonymous with correct spell
ling. This should be taught by showing
first that language is made up of few
elementary sounds, and that these sounds
are represented by still fewer letters
The forms of the letters can be taught
easily by allowing children to make the
letters upon the blackboard as a recrea-
ton
Exercises in reading we're conducted
I~x- T. IL I In
tion with which the advantages If Webb's
Word Method were stated. The Phonet-
ic Method was also presented. In this
the elementary sounds are taught by the
use of letters marked in q different man.
ner from common type. This system has
many advantages and is warmly support
ed by many able educators.
The use of rules in teaching reading
was condemned; the great object TO be
obtained being to form in the pupils
mind Clear understanding of the matter
to be read, aid the securing of free ahd
natural delivery.
English grammar was treated upon by
Prof. Ramey and Mrs Littei. A difficult
ty was thought to exist in the imperfec
tons OF text books, ana it was recon-
mended that teachers cut loose in 6 meas
TIRE from the stereotyped methods of
the books, and by means Of black
board exercises and Independent illustra-
tons, overcome this difficulty. Clark's
Diagram System is also of benefit when
used as a means of explanation and not
rs an end to be sought.
Geography, which is often felt to be an
rksomc, tedious study by teacher and |
pupil, and especially by the best schol-
hrs, was ably treated, and ir an interest |
ng manner by Messrs. Minard and Coll
we'll. The Importance Of teaching map
lrawing xas shown, and at the same time
physical geography should be taught by
and oral lessons. BY these
means class of dozen beginners with
en- different text books, had been success
'ully managed. 1t is well to begin with |
IN idea of The pupils own township, and
hen extend his knowledge to his county,
State and country.
1t was warmly debated by Messrs. Ra-
ney and Orr, whether penmanship should
be taught by any of the SO called systems
DR. not. II was generally agreed that If
DO system be taught the pupil will adopt |
The system of the teachers own hand
writing, which might justly be believed
10 be no improvement.
Prof. Nash occupied an hour very |
and profitsbly, In giving his |
plan of pursuing the study of history.
His remarks were of interest not only 10
eachers but to all who are general read
IT'S OF history. He urged that the eau
yes which produced the great historical
events should in every case be presented
u connection with ttose events.
MIR. j. F. Langenbaugh spoke upon the
importance Of singing in schools. The
nonotony and tedium Of the school ex-
.rcises could in this way be relieved and |
! safety valve provided through which
he restless animal spirits might escape.
which otherwise would result in mischief
,r disorder. While 1t might not be ad-
Tisable to attempt the teaching of the
music, all could and should teach singing
n schools bs the process Of simple tunes
Tue Object Lesson system of teach
ng was explained by Mrs. Pierce. The
dea was advanced and well sustained that
What even is of value in object teaching
nay, and indeed must be used by every
successful teacher, but that the giving OF
,bject lessons as q separate anil distinct
means of imssrt.ng instr ;tion is to say
he least, somewhat dubious in IFS results. |
A paper upon the subject of school gov
.rnmcnt was read by Mr.. Langenbaugh,
n which the necessity of a mild and
Iind-yet effectual restraint was shown.
We regret that want of space forbids our
the entire article. The subject
r. n q xaatod L., a m ol,lo m onpor and chou