The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-08-12
Cumberland Teachers Insiitnfe,
SECOND DAY.

c,,oND Nv
After the'opening exercise, DR.. French took
up in the form Of reelection from the teach
ers, the lessons of Monday on the mental pow
ers. and the method of acquiring knowledge
He then entered upon the subject of School Or
ganization. He said that the work of the
school, on the part Of the pupil, should consist
OF study, recitation, and rest. These should be
systematically arranged in a definite pro
gramme, founded partly on an experimental
knowledge of The various lengths of time dur
ing which the interested attention of children
of different ages can be held for purposes Of
recitation.
Again the matter Of study is to re arranged
Pupils, if left to their own guidance, will not
divide their time among their different studies
properly. The teacher must do this, and the
time for the study, as well as that for the reci-
tation of every lesson, Iulst form a part of their
daily programme.
After arecess of ten minutes, DR.. French
entered upon the discussion of school eyolu-
tions or tactics. He said that the primary and
principal work of the teacher is instruction.
This is the end to be aimed at always. Hence
all school arrangements should be made with
reference to to this end. And in order to Sc
cure it, time is to be economical in all posi-
BILE directions. This can be done by systemat-
izng the regular work of the school. The OBJ
jects to be kept in view are, respectively to Sc
cure the largest saving of time for study and
recitation; to secure the least possible disorder;
-. "a, 10 rJa No CO
constituted that forces influencing us in one d.
rection, will act in other and kindred direc-
lions. Hence pupils trained to orderly and
quiet movements in class and other exercises,
will unconsciously become mora quiet and
orderly generally. FFF
To enter or move about an assembly quietly
and without creating disturbance, is some
thing that young America should be educated.
to, aud the pupil trained in the schoo-room to
such habits, will carry them out into life with
him. To secure the objects we may have the
following rules:
/. Move classes when practicable as aCholeS,
and by some system OF signals.
2. As preparation for rece IS and dismissal,
have books laid aside, and the school in state
of absolute quiet.
g. Send the pupils to recess in decisions by
some system OF signals
4. When pupils leave the schoe.-room, dis
miss by divisions; when not, dismiss them
standing.
These rules were illustrated and explained,
and much incidental instruction given.
The third exercise oe the forenoon was by DIR.
French; the subject, class management. The
objects of the recitation in any class are-to
cultivate the memory; to cultivate the percep-
tives to cultivate ate ntion: to give grace and
ease of manner; to give confidence; to. give
clear-cut thought; to give positive knowledge;
and to develope individuality.
Between 60 and 70 actual tachers are now
present.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
. The afternoon session was openened by DIR.
French, who spoke on class work, The lecture
consisted of practical suggestions. Instruc-
tions were given as to the discipline of the
class, its proper position while reciting, &c.
The necessity of arresting the attention of the
pupil was dwelt upon. The teacher must see
that the child uses correct language while re-
citing and clothes his meaning in correct SEN
fences. He should be allowed to recite without
interruption. and criticism should only be in
dulged after the pupil has ceased speaking.
Otherwise diffident scholar will be utterly
discouraged and will fail to ever make COM
plete recitation. Care should be taken in as
signing the next lesion, SO that it may not be
SO lo1g or difficult as to cause the pupil to com
plain and come up with his lesson wholly I'M
prepared. The review of previous lessons
should be thorough and careful. The class
should be promptly marked on recitation.
0;, ocbor nj n IL
to see that they were thoroughly understood
All must be kept busy, and all questions
should be with the view to encourage, not to
confuse, pupils.
The second hour was devoted to an exposi
tion of free hand drawing by Mr.. Luce, 1t was
wholly drill work and quite unreportable
The hour was taken up by Dr. French, who
continued his remarks on class work. He en-
largei upon the necessity OF thoroughness in
study aud recitation, aud took up the matter OF
reading. The pupil must read with the under
standing, must know how to study. He must fern
a language in which to clothe the knowledge OF
which he has become possessed. Each point
must be mastered before it is dropped. Knowl-
edge, to be of value, should be so thoroughly
acquired as to stand by us. The boy should
study "for keeps" He should be taught self
reliance. Every school programme should b'
so arranged as to give the scholar ample tim
to study his lesson. He should not be allowed
to 'cram,' and should be given short lessons
The measure of instruction is not what thu
teacher can give but what the pupil can learn
The next lesson should be given out before re
citation is heard. The recitation should b
heard before instruction is attempted to b
given. Help only when and as much as hel
is needed Make every point of the lesso
clear to the mind of the pupil. Cause the PIT
pil to frequently repeat instructions recent
given in order to keep it in his mind. Lastl
the teacher must be orderly and metholical i
his work.
AT the session to-day, the vexed subject c
school government will be taken up by ID
French aud Mr. Luce will continue his exposi
ton of free-hand drawing.