The herald., 1895-02-22

in better health to the pupils, physically,
intellectually and morally. School work
should be, not simply permissive OF, but
conducive to health. The longevity OF the
worlds best thinkers well illustrates the
fact that normal intellectual effort con-
tributes to better health. 1t should be the
study of the school to so remove all unfa7
vorable conditions as to bring TO students
higher intellectual and moral opportunity
through definite sanitary provisions. (See
Manual -Four, Healthy The individual
plan, with its reliance upon superior
mind training, the removal of unnatural
hours of study and the presentation OF
ethical principles of action, had its origin
as u means to provide for better health of
pupils.
= Flexible plans not only provide well
for the higher interests of the pupils but
give strong teachers greater opportunities
for effective work. While prsper correla-
ton demands certain careful superintend-
ence, yet the qualified teacher. in pre-
senting what is best for al pupil, should
never be hurried by the necessities OF
parallelism and mechanical .gradation.
The plan of work presented calls for the
teacher of resources, ready to take a sug
gestion in its spirit and not in its letter
the teacher in whom, without require
ment, reliance can be placed for the per-
f,rmance of work"
Under the head of Working Methods the
following explanation is made:
The customary recitation plan is dis
carded for the following reasons; 1t is
enormously expensive, and has been the
one thing that has crowded study to out
side hours. 1t is full of passive exercise
and of indoent waiting; only the ones re-
citing, or at best few are getting full
ualue for time. 1t is a noisy, distracting
period to those engaged in other work 1t
unjustly holds back the bright pupil and
Ilnn ba eloW trorlar NJ rfIl
difficulties. Doubtless it has certain ad-
vantages, but these need not be lost under
the plan proposed.
The individual method has it's recita
tian, but for specific purposes and of indi-
vidual or group character. 1t also has Its
individual examination but there is moth
ing in 10 prevent general examination
upon points common to all workers How
ever, in general, the purpose of an examl-
nation is for the pupils benefit and this
is best conserved by individual exercise.
There is this inevitable result OF indi-
vidual work under favoreble circum-
stances, says Professor Search. Students
cover the course of study in less than the
usual time. When the high school requi-
sites have been satisfied, which may be
on any day of the year, the pupil may
spend the time in perfection of certain
details, or in extension work, for which
there will be abundant opportunity, or
may Cldlm CerllHCdue OF ulplO1lld IndJ lS
merited. AT the end of the year will
come the usual graduating exercises, full
of honor to those who have qualified dur
ing the year, with special credits for all
work accomplished beyond requirement
for graduation.
Upon first acquaintance with this plan
of work, some pupils will feel the absence
of oldtime definite requirements, and
may experience a sensation of being lost;
but it is because they have not been
trained to independent, selt-relant work.
A little time, with its attendant adjust
ment to new working conditions, will
bring the realization OF the higher oppor-
tunitv and principles involved. At any
rate, this is the same sensation of loss
which the mechanically trained student
experiences when he reaches after life
which the true student should meet in his
school days of preparation.