The San Francisco call., 1897-10-28

Much interest has been shown by the
County Institute in the views of Professor
Howlson. When J. P. Garlick, president
OF the institute. asked the professor some
time ago 10 come and discuss the cour.e
OF study, he declined, saying 81 do not
agree with any of the present courses of
study and no one Will care TO listen TO
me-" MI Garlick replied: Come and
say that and tell why you DO not agree"
Professor Howlson came. and the follow
ing paragraph from his lecture created
the most discussion.
Teachers all over the United States are dis
cusslng the question of study in elementary
schools q fact which shows in itself that the
Work Is not satisfactory. To most people
equality OF citIZ .nship implies equality of
social position and equality of everything
else and that every American should receive
Inc same KIND oI education that every other
American has; that there should be but one
system and one aim in ducation. This is the
beloved ideal of every American, but such an
ideal is a delusiOn. Good as the college is I
is not good Tor everything in the world.
1t is likely that the views ofthe professor
may receive more definite attention before
the institute closes.
The second day of the County Institute
was marked by some interesting papers
on section and laboratory work. There
was, as usual, large attendance at the
High School building at the session. THIS
Is not remarkable, for the County Insti-
ute has a rule by which q record of
attendance is Eept on all teachers end as
they are paid their salaries for this week,
an absence would necessitate an explana-
tion, and 50 the professors are always sure
of large audiences.
DR.. Gamble of Haywards, in discussing
the essentials OF English grammar, said
he did not approve of the arrangement of
cd bxy
the State. While it is carefully com piled,
he SAID 1t Is open 10 criticism. In the
discussion which followed, some of the
teachers agreed with DR.. Gamble, but
many others declared that with all its
faults ii was a decided improvement on
the old one.
Professor Crawford. in referring to chill
dren's education, said he believed they
should be given formne to begin with,
so that when they progress they would
then be able to comprehend The prin-
ciples. Professor Childs referred to an
experience in the Normal School q few
years ago which, he said, illustrates that
the arithmetic taught is not practical
enough and that every boy or girl In four
or five wears ought TO obtain a better
knowledge OF arithmetic than they now do
IN eight or nine years. In closing the dis
cussion w. T. Hall made an earnest plea
on behalf OF pupils who fall behind IN their
class and who need encouragement rather
than discouragement to prevent their
school life be .ng failure.
Professor Mead's laboratory was visited
by another section of the teachers and the
professor explained the best method by
which pupils could derive the greatest
benefit from the laboratory.
Many other departm ents of work were
taken up and all produced lively discus
sions. The High School Teachers Club
OF Alameda County is also holding its meet.
N nysI N fnn NIT n f,1a IT
sessions are held in the m orning and to-day
the subject was "a Comparative Study OF
AdoIescents."
a list of books for home reading was
also taken up and a partial programme
for the various grades was selected.
The general session of the institute was
held at the First Congregational Church
this afternoon. The California Council of
Education handled the course of study for
elementary schools. Professor S. D.
Waterman of Berkeley presided and
opinions were very freely expressed on
every point raised.