The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-11-01

tic, etc, without taking upon them
selves the responsibility of teaching
natural history. In talking of what
they expressed as new tangled things
teachers frequently made the mistake
Of mistaking the purpose of natural
history lessons; they We're intended to
use the eyes and the ears and to in
struct children to look see and hear.
and make them able TO make the
proper use of the five senses, and util-
iZe them in the manner intended. They
should be taught to look and observe,
TO get something definite, and they
should appreciate the great difference
between looking or seeing for a definite
or for an indefinite purpose.
In his opinion it was highly desirable
to give the boy less instruction in the
ordinary rudiments of education and
devote more of his time to lessons In
natural history. Professor Albert then
gave the teachers examples of lessons
in natural history and showed small
skein of silk from which he deducted
various lessons as models of teaching.
He urged that if teachers would apply
themselves TO this work, they would be
of more value, would command more
salary and create a larger demand for
lHOSe special SeTNlCeS.1
Methods of Instruction.
DR.. White gave an interesting dis
course on Methods of Instruction" 2"
knowledge can be taught only by oc-
casioping the appropriate activities of
the learners mind. he said; primary
knowledge can only be taught bjec-
lively. The several mental powers
can be trained only by their appropri-
ate study Mental action results In in
creased mental power and tendency.
Skill in any school art is acquired only
by practice under guidance. Clear and
correct ideals must guide practice or
Primary facts must be taught objec-
lively. II science was taught by obser-
vation in the universities 1t should GER
tainly be taught likewise in the primary
schools, and even in object lessons 1t
goes beyond the eye. The child should
always find out himself by4sttidy and
observation the point and the teacher
should only direct.
Professor White then reviewed the
various methods of instructions and
concluded by comparing the methods
and results of twenty years ago with
the present day, showing that the lat
ter-day teaching had deteriorated.
Institute Notes.
Superintendent Taylor expressed him
self to Tribune reporter yesterday as
quite satisfied with the success Of the
county institute and Is of opinion
that the division of the city and county
teachers has proved Of great benefit. 1t
was impossible previously to command
the same attention and good order with
the large number of teachers In the
combined institute, and the divisions
were also better accommodated.
The divisions are greatly appreciated
inasmuch as teachers in high schools
could not maintain great interest In
primary school lessons and vice versa,
hence the idea of dividing the lectures
and teachers according to the subject
discussed.
Professor NJ. ]. Lloyd, of Dickson
City. the efficient secretary of the coun-
ty institute, has recently returned from
an extended tour In Wales, and as de-
| lighted with his sojourn In the land OF
song. The people of Dickson City would
ensure treat If Professor Lloyd could
be prevailed upon to deliver a lecture
recounting his travels.
There are 30S members of the county
Institute enrolled, and Superintendent
| Taylor believes that, practically, all at
| tend the sessions.
Like white chrysanthemum the gray
head Of Professor +. j White, the ex-
pedagogue, was seen bobbing up here