The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1894-08-29
Teachers Institute.
WEDNESDAY MoRNING.

L
presenting subject. By all meansI prefer
the good, oldfashioned, written examina-
ton. His address was filed with practical
suggestions to teachers and will be highly
treasured and long remembered by those
who had the pleasure of listening to it. 1t
was very much regretted that he could not
remain at the Institute longer than his al
lotted time, which was only one hour and
half. All true theory and practice must be
the product of the teachers own originality.
Method amounts to nothing in the hands of
a poor teacher, while a poorer method may
be proftably utilized by good teacher.
He was followed by Prof. Leonard on His
tory. He spoke of the relative relations of
certain influences to the primary location
and growth of cities. The speaker thought
and gave good reasons why we could not
afford to exchange one county of Ohio for
the whole of Colorado. Among the reasons
given was the scarcity of rainfall, necessi-
tating irrigation very early frOsts extreme
elevation rugged surface, &c. Hespoke of
the lack of wisdom of Benton, Fremont,
and others when they said it was doubtful
whether the railway system of America
would ever cross the Rocky mountains. He
gave reasons for the Gadsen purchase which
tunity for railroad outlet without crossing
the great plateau north of them.
Prof Jackman then took the floor and
gave an interesting talk saying he would not
give one particle of aid to poor teacher, as
such. 1t would encourage them to remain
poor. 1t is the teachers own fault who re-
mains inefficient. All teachers have made
many mistakes but are gradually correcting
them and working into higher plane. 1t
is through blunders that we succeed. What
we want is speed and rapidity of thought.
He thought pupils might learn to read, spell
write, punctuate, and observe all at once.
He recommended the use of small printing
presses in the schools, and read several
childs stories that had been reproduced from
stories read to them by the teacher. They
were very good both in thought, arrange
ment and expression.
| During the forenoon Prof. Jones gave an
other of his original talks on music, much
appreciated by all.
| AFTERNOON.
Prof. Jackman continued his talk to the
teachers, He said, ''Parents want the best
things for their children in school work, and
the reason they are afraid to invest is be-
cause they are doubtful of getting the desired
result. Teachers should see to it that the
parents are not disappointed. He thought
all fads should be excluded from school
work. While every book has place, do not
use them too much. Teachers must get at
the organic relation Of objects and compari-
son of images.
| Prof. Jones gave very novel and unique
| blackboard illustration in the line of repre-
senting each note of the scale by its F'color. -
This was something entirely new to the ma
jority of those present and was thoroughly
| appreciated.
Prof. Leonard occupied the last half hour
on the subject of reading, taking the whole
time in showing the great importance of i'm
parting to the pupil the meaning of what he
reads.
THURSDAY MORNING.
The Institute was opened with Scripture
reading by Rev. O. A. Richards, followed by
the reciting of memory gems by the teachers,
and singing. Prof. Leonard then gave a talk
on History, taking for his subject the ori
gin of the names of States, cities, lakes, riv-
ers, mountains, etc., which was very interest
| ing,
Prof. Jackman then took up his work
again. Among other things he said he be.
lieved in frequent reviews. We should aim
to have the parts of onr work closely related
He did not approve Of learning anything by
heart, as it is sometimes called. He spoke
particularly of correct position and pen
| hnl in hnin
said that the writing of both teacher and
pupil is made poorer by toomuch scribbling
We teach too much en- masse and not enough
individually. Written work develops a habit
of carelessness. The scholar should be
taught more reflection and the power of con
centration of thought more fully developed
Prof. Jones gave another valuable talk or
music during the forenoon.
AFTERNOON.
The roll was not called as usual at the
opening of the afternoon session. Prof
Jackman continued his talk on science, ex
hibiting some more apparatus and telling its
uses. Prof. Jones then gave another exer
else in music, principally in the application
of sharps and flats. The last half hour was
| improved by Prof. Leonard on Theory anc
Practice. Several questions were asked hin
by the teachers, to which he gave promp
and practical answers. He advised teachers
to cultivate such habit of sympathy tha
should enable them to help the dull and lazy
pupil as well as the forward ones. Teachers
should not play with their scholars unless
they can play as well or little better thar
they. Pupils should not be allowed to hell
one another, but should encourage a spiri
| of independence in that respect. Parents
should cooperate with teachers in enforcing
regularity of attendance and good behavior
on the way to and from school. He preferred
written excuses, but would be satisfied with
| verbal ones. He thought parents woulC
rather compel their children to be on time
than to furnish written excuses. The attend
ance was good, Notwithstanding outside at
| fractions.
The evening lecture was dispensed with
because the President of the Association die
not think it advisable to have it presented
1t was great disappointment to those who
had assembled at the Church to hear it. One
teacher walked from near Rootstown Center
to listen to the lecture, and those who had
taken pains to go to the Church went away
lamenting much the action Of the President
in declaring the lecture off. AS a conse
quence Concentration of Thought" was not
delivered in Rayenna and in all probability
will never be presented here.
FRIDAY MORNING.
Devotional exercises, conducted by Prof
J. A. Leonard, of Youngstown, Music con
Quoted by Prof. Jones.
9:15 to 1915. Geography-Prof. Jackman.
Soil near Chicago, sand; greatest precipice
near Chicago, 80 feet He displayed various
mechanical cOntrivances used in Cook Co
Normal school, for teaching children the
process of termination and the working OF
leaves, comparing the amount of moisture
in sand, clay and loan; and showing the
great amount of water in fruit, leaves, etc
He gave an interesting review of the sources
and direction of storms.
E. E. Carrier presented the report Of the
committee on nominations, as follows
Pres, Sup't Stutzman, of Kent; VicePres