The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-12-25

thus subject We can only suggest
and stimulate pupils in this subject.
This subject has its value as a means
OF dlsciplining the mind, particularly
the imagination. Il dcvelopcs patriot.
ism and brings pupils into contact
with the different stages Of civilization
IN the past, and with the manners and
customs OF past ages. Too much
time is too often taken up IN the de-
tails of battles and the intrigues of
parties and not enough attention
to the subject Of civilization. We
should not attempt too much with
young pupils for fear Of creating a dis
taste for the subject. We should en-
deavor to instil into Our pupils a love
Of history and when they get out they
will read up on the subject after leav-
ing school.
Supt Harmar addressed the Insti-
tute On Attention. Attention is the
foundation Of any structure you at
tempt to build. Teachers attempt to
instruct a large class when but one or
two are paying attention. But it is
the teachers business to see that
every member of the class gives his
individual attention. As a rule it is
the fault Of the teacher if lie can't Sc
cure the attention of his classes. At
tention IS an element OF every faculty
and not distinct power Of the mind
Nothing is accomplished without
voluntary attention. The ability to
give attention is the characteristic of 4
normal mental constitution and of a
well balanced mind. 1t is only the
weak mind that is Incapable of giving
close attention. The teacher must
consider ali sources Of distraction and
remove them if possible. If they
can't be removed we must educate
our pupils into removing their minds
from the distractions and concentrate
them upon their work. We ought to
study our pupils individually and
know their constitution, and consider
their weaknesses and make allowance
for them. Interest is of prime i'm
portance, and if the pupils are inter
ested by the teacher their attention
will be bestowed for reasonable
time at least. Avoid distractions
with the young. DO not be deceived
by exterior signs. A boy may look at
you but his attention may be far away
from you. And he may give attention
and not be looking at you. Pleasure
sustains attention. We should make
an effort to combine pleasure with in
struction. Take advantag. of a
Child's curiosity. Pupils love variety.
Don't get discouraged, Extreme
cases of inattention are very rare and
We can be successful.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
Supt. Waller addressed the Insti
tute on examinations underlying
the public school system Of Pa He
talked on teachers certificates, There
are six certificates provided by the law
for teachers. Our lowest certificate is
the Provisional one. The provisional
certificate was at first intended to be
only temporary arrangement but il
has become engrafted on our system
The state has been greatly benefited
through the provisional certificate in
that it has enabled young people tc
test their ability without going to much
preparation. This certificate is good
for one year only, and for the county
only in which it is issued Our state
proceeds upon the basis OF local con
troll and in this the educational law O
Penn'a is superior to any other state
1t would be wrong to commit the
interests of our children entirely tc
teachers holding provisional certificates
We have graded system and teach
ers are expected to advance and reacl
that point where yearly examination.
will not be required This is the ides
of the law and if teachers take advan
tage of it they will not be required &C
undergo endless examinations as il
sometimes the objection to our system
They may so through all the grade
and finally reach the state certificate
where in the judgment of the law h,
may teach in any part of the state anC
is good for life. More than half O
the teachers in our state to-day teacl
on provisional certificates. This il
wrong, not as it should be. The STATE
should not issue an unlimited numbe
of provisional certificates to any on,
individual. No one should be allow
ed to teach more than three year
under a provisional certificate. If a
that time he has not advanced to
higher grade he ought to be requires
to step down and out. Supply ant
demand largely regulate price ant
when every one is allowed to come il
every year and take provisional cer
tifcate it deprives the true profession
al teacher of the remuneration he i
deserving of. 1t is not true that
young lady holding provisional Gel
tihcate can teach primary school a
we'll as one holding a diploma from