The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-01-01

study would be Of immense benefit TO all
who are able to pursue it under proper
guidance They admit that the study
of Latin presents theisame advantages,
but living languages seem to them better
Z adapted to grammar school work. They
plead that IAN pupils of the same intelli-
gence and the same degree of maturity
be instructed alike, no matter whether
they are subsequently to enter college
or scientific school, or intend to pursue
their studies no furthers'
Finally, they declare that "I'he worst
obstacle to modern language study is the
lack of properly equipped instructors (;
and that it is the duty of universities,
states and cities to provide opportunities
for the special preparation of modern
language teachers"
TEACHING OF ARITHMETIC.
The conference on mathematics were
unanimously Of the opinion THAT o radi-
cal change in the teaching of arithmetic
was necessary They recommend that
the course in arithmetic be at once
abridged and enriched-abridged by omit
ting entirely those subjects which perplex
and exhaust the pupil without atfording
any really valuable mental discipline, and
euriching by greater number of exer-
cises in simple calculation and in the solu-
tion of concrete problems"
They map out a course in arithmetic
which, in their Judgment, should begin
about the age of 6 years and be completed
about the 18th year of age.
Among several other recommendations
is one that course of instruction in con-
crete geometry, with numerous exercises,
be introduced into the schools. and that
this instruction should during the earlier
years, be given in connection with draw
ing.
1',a,, ,,ooo,,,.,r,,1 tl,c4 A., nA,,a.. - ....
tematic algebra should be begun at the
age of II.
The conference on the subject of
physics, chemistry and astronomy was
urgent that the study of simple
natural phenomena be introduced into
elementary schools and at least one period
a day from the first year of the primary
school should be given to each study.
BOTANY AND ZOOLOGY.
The conference on natural history
unanimously agreed that the study of
botany and zoology ought TO be introduced
into the primary schools at the very be-
ginning of the school course, and be pur-
sued steadily, with not less than two
periods week throughout the whole
course below the high school. In the
next place they agreed thatin these early
lessons in natural SCIENCE no text book
should be used, but that the study should
be constantly associated with the study
of literature, language and drawing.
HISTORY AND CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
The conference on history, civil govern
ment etc, believed that the time devoted
in schools to history and the allied sub
jects should be materially increased.
They declared that the teaching of history
should be intimately connected with the
teaching of English; that pupils should
be encouraged TO avail themselves Of their
knowledge Of ancient and modern Ian
guages and that their study of history
should be associated with the study OF
topography and political geography, and
should be supplemented by the study of
historical and commercial geography, and
the drawing Of historical maps.
The conference report on geography
deals with more novelties than any other
report, exhibits more dissatisfaction with
prevailing methods and makes the most
revolutionary suggestions. IL is obvious
even on a cursory reading of the report
that geography means for all themembers
Of this conference something entirely
different from the term geography used
in school programmes. Their definition
Of the word makes it en-
brace not only description
of the surface of the earth, but
also the elements of botany, zoology, as
tronomy and meteorology, as well as
many considerations pertaining TO COM
merce, government and theology. "The
physical environment of man" expressed
as well as any phrase can the confer
ence's conception of the principal subject,
which they wish to have taught. The
entire reports will probably be ready for
distribution to persons Interested in edu-
catiOnal matter in about ten dayS