West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1882-06-30
The Teachers Education.

thorough preparation of the teacher for
her work. Ii would seem Ina. the eetab-
lishment Of six Normal Schools within
our State would make ample provision for
this work, that it would be futile and use
less for Collegiate Institution TO attempt
to enter this field. But let rs look ut this
matter. 1t is not the purpose OF this arti-
Gle to criticise the course of our Normal
Schools, on the contrary to praise it. They
have been and are now doing noble work
in their particular field. When these
schools were first established our teachers
were so ignorant of the fundamental prin-
ciples CT the sciences which they were re-
quired to teach that our Normal Schools
have rightfully made il their principle aim
TO teach them What 20 Teach, to impart to
their pupils clear and concise under
standing OF the subjects themselves. In
this they judged rightly. But is is believ-
ed that the time has now come in our
State when the second part OF the teachers
education should be emphasized, the Hoo
10 Teach Our Norman Schools and ad
vanced public schools have raised up
among US a class of young West Virginia
teachers, who are as familiar with the text
books and the subjects that they will be re-
quired to teach as the teachers of any
other State in the Union. But one thing
more than any other seems to be needed
they lack knowledge of the best methods
OF teaching and governing school. The
time has now come among class Of our
teachers for more extended professional
instruction. Especially is this true of the
graduates of our Normal School and ex-
perinced public school teachers. Although
this is the principal and highest aim Of the
Normal School of the College, still slemen-
tary courses of study furnishes an excel
lent opportunity for obtaining thorough
knowledge of the branches TO be taught to
those who may desire it.
In a general wsy il may be stated that
there are three classes of students for whom
instruction is provided. The FIRST and larg-
eat class are those who wish to prepare
themselves for teaching in the lower
grades of the Common schools. The school
must afford these both academic and prof
essional instruction. The second class are
those who haYe completed the course of
study in our best High Schools and Acad-
emies, and those who may not posses the
scholarship of the High School graduates,
but who are teachers of experience and
age, and because of their greater maturity,
are able to keep pace with these graduates.
The third class are those who haye gradu-
ated from the College and Universities of
the State, and who seek that professional
training witch shall it them to assume
the duties of Superintendent and Primer
pals of High Schools. The Normal School
aims to give all these classes instruction
which shall include thorough and scien-
tifc knowledge of the common school
branches, a thorough knowledge of psych-
Ology, and knowledge of the best methods
of teaching the common school branches, a
knowledge of the actual school gained by
intelligent and systematic observation of
the work done in the various grades of the
training schools under the Immediate
direction of the teacher of methods. The
students are required TO interpret every
exercise observed. The instruction also
aims to include knowledge of teaching
in these grades, gained by actual teaching
of classes under criticism of the teacher
of metods, and the critic teachers, theor
etical knowledge of school government
and Of the organization and classification
Of the schools gained by study Of the
application of the principles Of psychology
to those. and by the discussion of hypo-
thetical cases; a practical knowledge of
school discipline gained by being subjected
to school discipline rs a student in the
College, and studying the subject from the
standpoint OF pupil, and by taking entire
control of the discipline and instruction
Of one Of the grades in the model school
of such time as is necessary to test the
students power TO govern and teach a
school; knowledge of the real relations
and responsibilities Of the teacher, gained
bya stsdy of the Common School system
and school law of the State; knowledge
of the philosophy and history of educa-
ton and of the great educational reformers.
In addition TO the above instruction is
given to those who need il in the higher
branches Of science and literature sufficient
to fit them Tor sufficient service in the
higher grades of school.
As will be seen this course embraces
the chief of those broadening and dis
ciplining studies Of the College curioula,
of which the average teacher is 40 much
in need Upon the completion Of this
course professional degree and the diplo-
ma of the College will be conferred. To
those students who complete the first aud
second years work a diploma will be
given. II Is desired to direct special
attention to the means employed for ac-
complaining this work. First, the course
Of study which will be pursued under
teachers eminently qualified by exper-
fence and education for their work will be
supplemented by full course Of lectures
on Pedagogics For this work the soryice,
Of Prof Alex. J.. Wade, author Of Grad
uating System for Country School s." have
been secured for fine coming year. HI.
many years experience as an educational
worker and officer, and his excellent liter.
airy qualifications mark him A. peculiarly
6ited for this work. Ills popularity ~ an
Institute instructor and practical educa
tor il known not only TO the people Of his
native State, but Of other adjoining States
Prof Wade will deliver 70 the Normal
classes a course Of lectures embracing q
complete survey Of the whole 6eld Of
Pedsgogics. These lectures will be exceed