Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1884-12-25
Srou Conntp &egister
Educational Column,
JOHN b. SCOTT, EDITOR.

COMPULSORY EDUCATION.
Compulsory education is the CONF
,,lement of the public school system.
The crying evil that has curtailed the
usefulness of the public schools more
than has any other, is their regularity of
attendance. Que patron sends his
children to school regularly; another,
irregularly. The latter by his neglect
of duty not only deprives his children
of the benefit o: the school, but those
of the other to a large extent. The
pupil whose attendance is irregular
does more towa ard destroying the eff
cheney of the school than does any
other evil factor usually found in our
schools. The teacher is compelled, If
the pupil receives any benefit from
school, to spend time, that belongs to
the other class of pupils, in assisting
the one whose attendance is conet-iike.
II men are required to pay taxes to
support the public schools, patrons
should be required to send regularly.
The latter is in harmony with the
former. IF we are compelled to pay
money to build bridges, the same pow
er ought to eeist for the 6ustdsng.
We are compelled to pay money tor the
support of the public schools; men des-
troy, or rather prevent, their efhcieh-
cy, by the irregular attendance of their
children. In other words, we are COM
PEELED to pay money to build the bridge
and for the want of compulsory force
the bridge is not built. This subject
is likely to come before the Legislature
soon. Teachers and public school men,
let us agitate tito be Continued).
REGULATIONS.
When we call class to the recita-
ton seats day after day, we have, or
should have, several reasons for doing
so. How many think why it is done?
Some seem to have no motives other
than because it is a Gus tom, others be-
cause it is means of passing away
time. Among the principal purposes
of recitation may be mentioned those
which are dual in nature, The gain to
both teachers and pupils. First. with
regard to the pupils: it helps to fix
firmly in the minds of pupils the most
important points of the lesson; it, in
ether words. is systematic and analy-
tic preparation for retention by the
memory.
This faculty of logical analysis is
one of the most important to be Guilt
waited; our best speakers and writers
as a panoramic view, the most salient
points of subject. Next in order OF
importance, is the cultivation of lam
guage, which reciting lesson gives.
Practice makes more nearly perfect.
To become proficient in the use oi
language, we must use language con-
stantly-I may add use good language
constantly. No means should be
omitted whereby we can teach a pupil
to become more proficient in the use
of his knowledge. Recitation cult
Yates language by using language; ii
aids memory by presenting material
for its retention; it cultivates logical
analysis by making THOUGHT clear and
accurate. So much of our teaching is
after the parrot-taik form, mere ma
chine work. / think the power to
think clearly, accurately aud analytic
ally is one of the most solid forms OF
knowledge which we can present to
our pupils. Now, word as to the
benefit of Rotations to teachers. Pes.
talozzi said, "Begin teaching where
pupils knowledge ends" This is GER
tainly keynote. Generally, we can
judge of pupils preparation for reel.
tation. by his or her recitation; almos,
conclusively, can we know of pupils
understanding of a subject by his reel.
on that subject. A. V. III.