Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1874-11-12
EDUCATIONAL COLUMN.
Edited and Conducted by
IT. f. LANGENBA Ugh.
Object of Teachers Institutes

the spirit which prevails, and of the prac-
teal utility which must result from them.
1t is one of the most efectual means of
disarming prejudice, Of awakening among
parents an interest in their schools, of
enabling them to sympathize with the
teachers in the success of their plans for
they are thus enabled to understand what
those plans are upon which they are de-
pending for success in instructing their
children, and IN nourishing their mental,
moral and spiritual natures. There
should be no interest so dear to man as
that which pertains to the welfare of his
children. When parents are made to real
lie that the teacher is acting upon en-
Ightened views, and that he or she is i'm
parting the most valuable kind of instruc-
ton, they are encou aged, and melted 10
pursue liberal policy in the maintenance
of their schools, and their warmhearted
cooperation is secured. The teachers
task is half accomplished, when the hearts
that guide the home circles of his or her
pupils are throbbing for their success.
There are some minor purposes to be SUBJ
served by the Institute, which may prop
erly be mentioned. The teacher is
brought into direct intercourse with his
or her professional brethren and sisters.
and thereby enabled to measure them
selves intellectually and professionally
with others. Were they 10 remain isola-
ted, knowing little of any one beyond
their own neighborhood, they would
naturally contract narrow and selfish
views, and be filed with their own sufii-
cheney. He or she have perhaps, regard
ed themselves as possessing superior at
tainments, and their own methods of
teaching as infallible, while they may al
the same time be very unphilosophic and
injurious TO the mental habits of Their pu-
pills. But when they come to the Irsti-
tute, and are brought into contact with
those of equal and. of superior ability,
they are then enabled to make a more So
Der estimate of their capacity, and suspect
that there may be
- some things in heaven and earth
Not dreamed of in their philosophy"
They are brought into connection and
close communication with earnest-mind-
ed, thinking teachers, who are accustom-
ed to criticise the soundness of every
view, and only satisfied with that which
bears the genuine impress of truth. A
new life and new modes Of thinking are
INFUSED into the whole mass of teachers.
Nor is this intellectual acquaintance the
only advantage of their coming together.
They become acquainted socially. They
are enabled to sympathize with each 9th
er, and to form intimate and lasting at
tachments Refinement and culture ex-
ert their elevating influence upon the
rough and uncouth, the different classes
of society are brought nearer to each 9TH
er, the barriers which separated them are
thrown down, and. while none are de-
graded by contact, all are elevated in feel
ings, in manners, and. in sentiments.
Growing out of the relations which we
have named above, is one which the
French term esprit de corps, professional
pride, a fee ling which is an element Of
success in every calling. In thus opening
to their views the true position they oc-
cupy, they are enabled to realize the re-
spcnsiblities that rests upon them. and
are nerved to more earnest exertions in
the performance of their whole duty.
The Institute is also an excellent school
fol young teachers to learn 10 express
their thoughts in public. It is the fault
of many of them that they can not think
upon their legs and hence can not be
successful in teaching what they know
we'll enough, becuse they have not the
power of talking it into their pupils, and
making the thought appear to others as
it is felt by themselves The extempora-
neous debates End discussions, which call
out the opinions of the members frequent
~ form good preparatory exercise for
the practical business of teaching. Every
teacher should take notes of every impor
tant fact or opinion that is expressed and
reserve it for future consideration what
can not be duly pondered at the time.
This will serve to establish tine principle
of never passing upon anything hastily,
but noting for future reflection and use.
whatever may be met with in reading or
observation that is worthy of preserva-
ton.
Another prominent object subserved by
Institutes is the opportunity they furnish
of readily introducing into practice ofthe
profession such new improvements rs are
made in the science and art of teaching
The whole body of teachers are brought
into contact, at the Institute, with distin-
guished scholars, and can learn something
of their manners and course of thinking
There is an opportunity afforded for not
only teachers, but also The citizens of the
vicinity, to hear a course of lectures on
literary and scientific subjects. The tai
ents of superior teachers arc made public,
and their services are thus brought into
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