River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1914-07-23

The Wisconsin high school of the
University of Wisconsin has incor-
porated in definite practice a pol
icy which has large possibilities in
giving directions to pupils spare.
time. The fact that high. school
children find all sorts of ways to
occupy their leasure hours and Of
ten in the desire and craving for
life find unwholesome diversions,
being unwisely distributed and
further that the school is not ex-
acting tasks beyond pupils ability
and capacity to accomplish.
The following announcement APP
pears in the Wisconsin high school
bulletin under
Leisure Hour Pursuits
"Young people through their
own initiative are interested in
special activities not included in
the formal courses Of study Under
stimulating guidance such border
line pursuits may be made fruitful
in the lives of pupils and worthy
of recognition by the school. An
obvious example is music pursued
under private control. Instances
often arise out of school studies,
such as photography, wireless te-
legraphy, making historical or sci
entific collections, extensive read
ings in particular fields, conspic-
uous Wor kin school enterprises,
special achievement in the applica
ton of manual or arts tic skill, etc
Industry and life pursuits may
suggest opportunities of similar
character.
"Any pupils desiring to receive
credit for such activities must
make definite arrangements with
the Principal before beginning a
particular piece Of work SO that a
clear understanding may be had
as to requirements. In giving
these types of activity recogni-
ton, it should be understood that
mere routin work involving no
progress in learning or skill can
not be considered. 1t is the pur-
pose, however, to provide q way
for systematic effort and definite
attainment in these lines SO long
as these activities carry with them
some educational value.
"Pupils are encouraged to select
some pursuit which will serve to
organize their various interests
about a central purpose. The
school stands ready to assist in
the utilization of any equipment
at it's command.
ssThe use of the term vocation
al motive" is not restricted to
narrow vocation. The essential
characteristic of the vocational
motive is it's tendency to lead for
ward; herein lies it's value. 1t may
be that the dominant motive cent
.ers in an ambition to go to col
lege, or a desire to enter early in
life some particular occupation, or
simply a keen ambition to excel
in whatever is undertaken-a de-
light in the sense of mastery. A
wide range of meaning is given in
this view. Later in life, this pur-
suit may develop into particular
vocation by means of which q lly-
ing is made. or it may become an
avocation, which provides means
of relief from the stress of Of
flee and business and also gives
increased capacity to appreciate
the values of life."
How The Plan Worked in Large
City
The writer introduced a plan
similar to this in Kansas City,
Kansas. 1t has been found ex-
ceedingly practical and seems to
present a way of connecting up
the school with life situations. Mu-
sic affords a good example for
starting this work. In Kansas
City, the head of the department
of chemistry was appointed city
chemist by the commissioners. The
boys in the chemistry classes, af-
ter years study were allowed
to elect city work as one of their
high school studies. Credit was
given toward graduation. They
made the tests of city water. The
diaries, the pavement, etc. Pupils
in the commercial department were
encouraged to do part-time work
in the city and were assisted by
the school in getting positions in
business Establishments for two
hours work a day. Many different
lines of activity We're recognized
as suggested in the description
above.
A vivid picture comes to mind. A
boy came into the office of the