Omaha daily bee., 1901-01-26
CHANCELLOR ANDREWSTALkS
Discusses Popular Methods Of Public School
Instruction.
TEACHERS MANIFEST GREAT INTEREST
Chancellor OF UnIyersity Of Nebraska
Says that Institution IL Flourish
Ing and Has Outgrown
Its Buildings.

Chancellor L. Benjamin Andrews OF the
University Of Nebraska arrived in Omaha
from Lincoln at noon yesterday. He was en-
tertained at luncheon by Superintendent
Pearse ana at 24j o'clock he addressed
the teachers Of the public schools in the
assembly room OF the city hall. Schools
were dismissed early in all parts of the
city that the teachers might hear DR.. An
drcws. The capacity Of the hall was tested
by the crowd which gathered to near the
well known educator.
In speaking OF the growth Of the univer-
sity DR.. Andrews said Before the end of
the year We viii have 2 500 students. The
increase in the number Of new students Is
about 10 per cent. our buildings arc in
adequate to accommodate the increased
number Of students and the regents expect
10 construct several new buildings. new
building for the accommodation of the sci
ence departments will probably be the first
erected. We have reason to believe that
tho Legislature will deal literally with the
university. For the time being We will
content ourselves with buildings which are
absolutely necessary"
Chancellor Andrews Address.
"Kindergartening the Grades" was the
subject of Dr. Andrews address to the
teachers lie spoke as follows
The kindergarten method, broadly viewed,
involves three elements.
First--lt teaches knowing by the means
OF doing and seeing
Second-so far as 1t uses seeing 1t insists
on the seeing of the things themselves In
stead Of the mere descriptions Of them.
Third-Most especially the kindergarten
method insists on training the entire per
but the body, the scnsibilites and the Will.
Though usually thought of IN connection
with little children, these educational re-
sorts arc applicable in higher and highest
education as well as In the nursery.
The value a. Of OF This this natural ana practical
sideration of the vast effects naturally
flowing from its use.
Training of the kindergarten type adds
TO the pleasures of pupils life. The edu,
cation of the eye TO appreciate shapes and
The splcndor OF the rainbow, the green of
the grass and the royal blue of the arching
heaven above all, or nearly all, appreciate;
and "A very considerable amount of most
persons JOY I'm existence springs from their
apprehension Of beauty In these and such
manifestations of tint and form equally
calculated to awaken our sense of beauty
but the vision necessary for grasping and
approaching them. This kindergarten
training tends to give.
This practical mode OF educating people
en!argcs the industrial efficiency of a nl-
tion. 1t Is calculated To bring OUT the
powers of art appreciation and art eret.
tion. in which Americans ere SO grossly
lacking. For a century we nave been try
Ing to devise legislation which might en-
able Americans to do the manufacturing
for Americans. But there is an Important
department I'm which we have done almost
nothing to render our industries inderend.
ent of Europe. | refer to the immense field
ooIen roaGs our wgnnoner cacoas amd ad
other staple articles of manufacture are
nearly all stamped with designs which
originated In foreigners minds. We have
TO pay foreigners millions of dollars ycariy
for this service. There is among as more
but unless this is based on a cultivated
power OF observation and fine discrimtn9-
foreigners will continue to design for us
aud make us pay tribute to Europe there
measures to build up By proper educ atiom
this artistic taste and the power TO create
Their iyIir TMn Designs # would not only save
abroad for designs but advance our people
iin one of the richest elements of civlliza-
tion.
Kindergarten practice in education is
helpful to the most thorough mentality.
1t trains to accuracy of observation. of
thought and of expression. II also
tends to impart the earnestness so
Things are more interesting than descrip-
tions, the concrete than the abstract. Stir
the child's mind with love of truth as en-
bodied In natures own forms and I'm a
majority of cases the enthusiasm will pass
jover from nature studies to abstract dis
'Cussions to literature and philosophy.
Many "a boy to whom under the old methods
books and dry rules could make no appeal
has been awakened from his dullness by "A
course of practical lessons addressed to his
boy interest and his low-form intelligence.
The kindergarten procedure breeds serious
ness I'm mental work. II opposes reality to
pedantry. 1t interests the student in facts
rather than opinions and traditions All
our educational institutions need the help
of this good influence. College and uni
versity teaching IL even now too pedantiC,
though less so than formerly.
Last and most important, the system of
training human beings to which | am in
viting your attention bears most precious
moral fruits. Its honesty, its sincerity, it's
insistenCe on character and reality, are
above all price. Those acquainted with
kindergarten work in rough communities
know well how, In the matter of cleanliness
and kindiness, one little child trained In
the kindergarten will become a missionary
in It's home reforming the mother. then the
sisters. then the brothers, and lastly, the
coarse. grmy, haf-brute of father: so
that all become more tidy, decent, attentive
to each others and the neighbors feelings.
can be taught Hitherto we have hardly
made any effort to inculcate It. Wide and
systematic efforts In this behalf will sur
prise the world with their success.
Chancellor Andrews had but limited
time to address the teachers and there were
many expressions OF regret that he could
not have spoken longer. lie went from the
city hall directly to the station and left
for Glenwood. Ia, where he addresses an
educational meeting tonight, DR.. Andrews
will return to Lincoln tomorrow.