The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-11-25
Teachers Institute.
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Institute opened with the following teach
ers present. Misses Eunice Blackwood,
Kate Kelly, Kate Selby, Emma Steward,
Allie Lyons, Maggie Henslee, Anna Selby,
Arminta Cox and Leila Phillips. Gentle
men: Walter Sparks, Sumner Lockwood,
G. w. Body, j. C. Clark, II. f. McKin-
ncy, Edwin Pratt and r. Robb. After
prayer by Rev. L. A. Banks, the president,
Judge Steward, made few very appropri-
ate remarks, complimenting the teachers on
the progress of their work and the dignity
and importance Of their calling. He was
followed by Hon. J. s. Houghton, Terrific
rial Superintendent, who spoke especially
of the Importance of institute work and the
manner in which it should be conducted
The subject of Arithmetic was then taken
up, and elected quite a general discussion.
Mr.. Lockwood opened by giving his method
of teaching notation and Enumeration, and
of naming some of the difficulties he had ex-
perienced in teaching this branch. He
would give plenty of time for recitation, and
to this end would in large schools have
classes recite alternate days. Mr.. Humphrey
spoke of the difficulties he had to contend
with, especially in fractions and interest.
| Mr.. Sparks thought that common fractions
should be taught before decimals, and that
by thorough drill the average scholar might
soon be able to comprehend both. Mr..
Robb claimed that in familiarizing pupils
with the complicated principles OF fractions
he had found it good plan to have them
convert common fractions into decimals, and
vice versa. In order to make conversant
with the different rules, tables, etc, he
would go outside The text book and fire.
quently give them practical examples to
solve. Miss Blackwood illustrated on the
| black board her method of teaching adli
ton, by adding up the columns separately,
thus making the process of carrying num-
bers easy to be comprehended. The Terri
torial superintendent said that in teach
ing this branch. as well as the others, there
was a great deal OF time lost in the school
room. He claimed that rules should be
taught, and that only by repetition could
the different rules OF arithmetic be thor
oughly fixed in the minds: that scholars
should recite in class, and that the rccita.
tons should not be hurried. Mr. Banks
said that no set Of rules could be made APP
plicable to all schools. In small schools the
brighter pupils might be given full scope,
but that great caution should be exercised
by the teacher in making the work thorough,
as Young America is disposed to take a
short cut if he can set a chance. He claimed
that working examples on slate and on black
board were not the same, and that special
attention should be given to the latter Mr..
Pratt would begia the study by teaching The
fundamental principles in thorough man
ner; would make the pupil familiar with the
signs, and advance very cautiously to each
successful step.
Miss Blac!;wooi then tool; mp the subject
OF Map Drawing, and gave her method OF
teaching it in school. She would begin BY
having the pupil draw natural objects first
and thea maps. Territorial Superintendent
would have them measure school-room and
other objects until they become familiar
with relative distances; woala teach them
the points of the compass and intermediate
directions, and then would have them begin
by drawing benches, school-room, spaces,
etc, and would have it done on paper.
/
Adjourned for dinner.