Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1895-04-27
TEACHERS AND TEACHING.

Centuries ago when the Socratic
metho of teaching was in vogue he
who attempted to impart instruction
was obliged to be thoroughly CONVEX
SAINT with the subject taught. The
oral method was employed exclusive
ly for the very simple reason that
books were quite rare. The pupil
was drilled inductively by series of
questions and then required to deduce
by reaso ming or by analogy the truths
intended to be impressed upon the
mind. This method was SO very te-
dious that the only wonder is that so
many persons were able to acquire an
education, though in comparison with
the present their numbers were pre-
cious few. Then the teacher taught.
Later, the teacher was such only
in name. He was generally re-
ferred to as 1.-THE master. His chief
aim was to prevent the unlucky
wight over whom he gained control
from securing an education or even
moiety thereof Oftentimes ignor-
ant and always brutal, the sole aim
of 1.-THE master was to get an excuse
to infiict corporal punishment, and
that of the victim tocircumvent him.
Such system could not do other than
train the average boy to become
robber or murderer. The only wonder
is that so many escaped the gallows.
Indeed it has been said that their
school training saved many an one,
by virtue of the fact they had early
learned to mask their feelings and
practice duplicity.
A reaction followed. Humane
methods prevailed in the school room.
Teachers and pupils became friends
and companions. Punishments were
but rarely inflicted and were confined
almost exclusively to an incorrigible
class who were still in a semibarbar-
GUS state. Teaching was pleasure.
THE master" was superseded by the
intelligent lady whose bright, sunny
disposition was an incentive to study
or by the young man who had COM
pleted normal or college course and
was seeking profession. 1t was a
rare thing for the schoolma am to
long continue her chosen calling for
the reason that some sturdy young
farmer or busting business man felt
that her duties were too onerous and
that she was wasting her sweetness
upon those who did not fully appre-
ciate her worth, and took her unto
himself. There is no prettier picture
than the one so briefly described
How the boys and girls did learn!
How they, loved their teacher and
school. There were no tardy marks
nor imperfect recitations. The teach
er was ever ready and willing to i'm
part instruction and the tiniest tot in
school was not afraid to say "Please
ma am, do my sum for me-
Like all things mundane this was
too good to continue A new theory
was formulated. The teacher was not
there for the purpose of answering
silly questions propounded by dirty
gamons or freckled-faced girls. Les
sons must be prepared at home and
recited in school. 1t mattered not if
the pupil had no one to assist him,
the lesson must be recited correctly
for his grade-the most mysterious
thing in the world-must be kept in
tact. 1t was an upgrade and to many
fearfully steep. Yes, the grade must
be at least SO. John is disgraced in
the eyes of the whole wide world if he
fails. And then examinations follow.
From the least unto the greatest they
extended their devious, dubious
course. Cram, cram, cram, for exam
inationl 1t was frightful thing to
do, but it must be done. No matter
whether it would ever be of benefit in
after life. No matter whether the
eyes were drawn out of their sockets.
An oculist will examine your eye free
of charge and then-you can buy and
wear glasses. Of what use are eyes
if you cannot pass the examination
The reputation of the teacher would
be ruined if his class failed. That
could not be thought of for moment.
His bread and butter are purchased
with the money he draws from the
sheriff. True worth, intelligence,
honesty are all subordinated to the
herculean task Of passing the exami-
nation. Not day that it is not pa
raded before their eyes and imprinted
on their minds. 1t is the one great
aim and object and the American
boy and girl get through by fair
means if they can, by foul if they
must. The system is almost univer-
sal.
Dear friends, is the game worth the
candle? We think not. What say
you parents and teachers?
TIRED WOMEN.