Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1875-05-06
COMMUNICATED.
EDUCATION, ASSOCIATION, ETC

EDUCATION, ASSOCIATION, ETC.
The sentiment is becoming more and
more general, that the primary studies
of the pupil are much more important
than they have heretofore been regard
ed. The evidence is apparent, that it
is necessary they should be clear
ly unfolded to the apprehension of the
little learner, and that the mental pow
ers should be expanded over them in
such manner as to render them the
sure foundation Of thorough practical
education.
A fault at this early point finds its way
through all the departments of study,
and as it progresses increases the diff
culties to be overcome by the efforts of
the teacher. Not only in the common
mind, as witnessed in the intercourse Of
the community, but in the more elevated
department occupied by the literary pro-
fessions, are the deficiencies Of primary
education exhibited.
In very great number of instances
persons feel their inadequacy for the
ready performance Of the duties assign
ed them, and can hardly tell the reason
why it is so. 1t would require but lit
tie reflection, if the train of thought
were properly directed, TO trace the fault
to its source, which would probably be
in the manner in which the first princi-
pies were mastered.
In continuing the unintellectual meth
eds of instruction pursued by the school
.4a.sasaags and schnel-mistressea az form
er ages in the use Of the rote system, it
might not be necessary toiutroduce any
measures in order TO effect an improve
ment upon them. But if, on the con-
trary, we would educate the mind in
the full development and use of its pow
ers, we must pursue such plans as science
and experience have united in present.
ing and as common sense requires the
use of. This advance, which should be
continued with the progress of educa-
ton, is not to be effected without the
agency Of The Teachers Association,
which department is essential to the de-
veiopment of true practical experience
in the art of teaching III which teach
ers may meet and interchange their
views upon the various matters connec-
ted with the profession, and communi-
cate freely with each other in relation
to the operation Of the school room and
their general management of theyoung,
and interesting objects Of their atten-
ton and solicitude.
TLo SC l,ar ..yt u on n /,
other in the art of teaching has become
a necessity as absolute as that Of pro-
gress itself. Teachers Associations are
the agencies by means of which teach
ers teach each other and without them,
in many departments Of the school
sciences, and especially in that of ex-
perience, they are never taught at all.
In the progress Of the age, it is impos-
sible that every other department of
science should make its advances and
improvements while that Of education
may be allowed to remain unchanged.
forward in their practical development,
and the results are witnessed and ex-
perienced in the improved means Of in
tercourse and the innumerable inven-
tions that appear in the arena of public
enterprise and in all the departments Of
domestic life. The business facilities
of the commercial world are greatly in
creased, and the household is teeming
with the evidences of advancing intel
hgence.
In the picture that the panorama
of busy life now presents, cannot be
admitted the old-fashioned school house
with its occupant in the person Of the
Anticipated schoolmaster and school
mistress of the olden time. In the dull
and meaningless routine of the pursuit
within, the pupil may be imprisoned
both in body and mind, and almost ut.
terly excluded from the activity Of both
as exhibited by the rapid movements Of
the multitudes without.
However inclined teachers Of the age
may be to solitude, and to the perfor.
nance Of duty in isolation and ignor.
ancc, it cannot be to the satisfaction o.
an intelligent community. l think il
an impossibility. 1t implies an act Of
imposition that at this period should
not be tolerated. 1t may be and fire.
quently is the case that in little dis
trict or neighborhood, occupied by {
poor and ignorantp population, there may
be found the Indifferent teacher in thu
management Of an Indifferent school
and the teacher may be able to preven
starvation in the use of the pittane'
presented by the hand of poverty. Blu
such description Of school and teacher
cannot be estimated with the institu
tons Of learning, and the instructor