The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-08-17
Educational Facilities in Worcester

To the Editor OF The Times:
Silt was pleasure to one who was
educated in the schools of Richmond to
observe somewhat closely the educa-
tonal system in dorchester, Mass.
The most prominent institution of
learning in that city is Clark University,
founded in 1887 by the late Jonas G.
Clark, one of Worcester's public-spirited
citizens This university is peculiar in
that 1t Is unlike all other American uni
versities, with the single exception OF
the Catholic University In Washington.
These two institutions are modelled
after German universities: that is, they
admit only graduated students, whereas
the vast majority of students Of all other
universities are undergraduates
In view of the fact that this institu-
ton and the great work 1t is doing is
not so widely known as some others, ]
think the following bit of information
may not be without some interest to
your readers:
It's sole aim is to develop productive
scholars and highly trained teachers for
other institutions of learning. and there
by indirectly to uplift the general stand
ard of education throughout the country.
It's graduates are already found among
the faculties Of our leading universities
and colleges.
DR.. G. Stanley Hall, then professor of
psychology in Johns Hopkins University.
and perhaps the greatest educator in
America, was chosen president He,
with nine Others all Of whom are lead
ng lights in the scientific and educa-
tional worlds, constitute the faculty.
The university consists of the follow
ing group Of four closely related depart
ments:
Mathematics. physics. biology. and
psychology. Under each department
there are several sub-departments Thus.
under biology there are the departments
of physiology and neurology, and under
psychology the departments of pedagogy,
anthropology, and psychiatry.
The number of students ranges from
thirty to forty. This to many is the
most surprising, or rather disappointing
feature of the institution. and the ques-
ton is frequently asked. "Why so few"
The answer is clearly stated in the
words of the president: THE methods
of the University are too costly and its
energy and funds too precious to be spent
upoI those who are not well trained,
promising and in earnest"
TO the few select students who are re-
ce!yed, the University opens all its privi-
lcges and supplies every incentive pos
sible in the way of fellowships, scholar
ships, books, facilities, and above all,
direct personal stimulus and instruction.
There is no clearly marked line of dis
friction between the three or four stu
dents and the professor with whom, rath-
or than under whom, they work. The
methods o instruction are laboratory work
lectured by the professors. often supple
mented by the students. and seminaries
/. e.. stated meetings at which the re-
s,.ts of individual reading and research
are reported for the benefit of all; views
a.e freely criticised; new inquiries,
methods, comparisons, standpoints, ETC.,
sueE ested.
In this way DR.. Hall has succeeded in
developing what is known as the new
psychology and pedagogy in this coun-
try, a work whose magnitude and i'm
portance it is difficult to overestimate.
AS a radical result of this there are at
present bout thirty Psychological labo-
ra tories in America, numerous Journals
ana associations for the advancement
Of knowledge in psychological and educa-
tier, to;,ics nearly all Of which We're
founded Nv DR.. Hall and his pupils.
In add. .oa to the regular students,
there are m.ne teachers and principals
from Worceste md vicinity who attend
special Saturday courses in psychology
and pedagogy. The result of these
courses are especially gratifying to he
educators and people In Massachusetts,
Not only have the methods of instruc-
ton and the ability Of the teacrers been
greatly improved but a strong desire
has been instilled in the breasts Of all to
obtain the very best possible education.
The whole atmosphere is figuratively
speaking, satura ted with education. Par
ents are constantly visiting the schools
and show the greatest interest in the
work. There are mothers clubs and IA
Tiers clubs and teachers clubs. all
working in harmony with each other,
and endeavoring to make the new gene
ration far better than the old. New
schools are built every year to supply
the ever gro.iug and various needs. q
10 illustrate what great influence ssuch.