The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-06-10

class writing develops conservative thought and research in writing.
 It Is not necessary to have long com positions or essays written. A few lines will show style just as plainly as several pages.
 The occasional open class discussion of the strength or weakness of the students is beneficial. The technical paper, which Dr. Barnwell gave minute consideration, was lengthy, and pr. Barnwell was only half through when President Willingham informed him that his time had expired.
 Miss Florribel Brown of Birmingham continued the discussion. She believed in divided work of reading and writ ing. The first thought of composition should be the reproduction of others thoughts. The teachers work in the first section of work Is the mechanical part, the calling attention to violations of rules of punctuation and grammar.
 She told of the subsequent develop ment, until unity, conference, ease, etc., are gained, then a study of sentences Of the masters. then a study of poetic forms to gain an insight into the rules of verslfcation, then a study of figures of speech. closing with a study of the Southern poets.
 The teacher should constantly be on the watch for grammatical errors and
 
 well as pronunciation.
 She gave an idea of the advantages of outside reading and the special atten- tion that should Ee paid to children who display talent. A certain work of criticism Is then attempted. and atteD- ton is paid to the history of English literature and of style.
 Professor Burleson endorsed the words of pr. Barnwell and Miss Brown. He said that pupils should first be taught to be observant and to develop Individuality and independence. He didn't believe in referring a student to a reference book on every subject he was about to write on. Let him read everything possible. so he can write readily on any subject. He asked that they develop love for nature In writ ing
 On motion of Miss Eliza NJ. Bullock of Montgomery Dr. Barnwell was re- quested to finish his paper.
 Dr. Barnwell advised against teach CTS tearing to pieces by criticism of their essays. It will often do more harm than good. A frank and honest criticism will not hurt, but any other criticism will rankle in the breast of an ambitious student and kill his am- bition.
 He said that everJ teacher should in- sist on neat and legible writing and correct spelIlng.
 The teacher should not insist on a classical precision of language, but should not allow the student to take too many liberties.
 Dr. Barnwell said he Is not a purist. but the believed that a student should be taught the difference between the pure and the colloquial
 He advocated allowing the student to write largely as he talks. in order to develop individuality. He emphasized that once the student had managed to handle his sentences well, he had taken the first great step in English compo- sition.
 Teachers must pay the price of eter- nal persistency said Dr. Barnwell, and labor for success, but nothing is more valuable to a man than to use effectu- ally his native tongue. Dr. D. F. Buchner of the University spoke on "Professional Reading Course for Teachers" He suggested first that fin one week the University Summer School would be opened. and opportu- nity would be afforded for reading courses of six weeks duration.
 Dr. Buchner gave a full announce ment of the work and instructors of the summer school and the Gaad that