Rocky Ford enterprise., 1915-10-29
(Copyrght 195 by the Newspaper syndlcate.)
EDUCATION FOR A SPECIFIC PUR.
POSE.

EDUCATION FOR A SPECIFIC PUR-
POSE.
The passing generation will recall
the days OF the old red schoolhouse-
| which, by the way, was seldom paint
| ed red-when academic education was
primarily confined to two distinct in
| stitutions: the common school. which
did not then begin with u kindergar-
ten. but plunged the pupil Immediately
into the 3 RS of learning; and the
college, which confined itself to the
classics.
In those days only a very small
percentage of boys entered college.
and there was no higher institution of
learning open to girls than the semi
nary, with a curriculum similar to
that of our present high school.
The young man who desired to en-
ter technical trade or to perfect
himself for any vocation. had to learn
this business. trade, or profession. at
| the last" so to speak. Even the
would-be lawyer read law in law
office, and the dentist entered den
lists office as an apprentice.
! ipudN tuutitlDlal COnuIliDHS nave
changed. and there are innumerable
technical schools as well as those
! teaching some one concrete profes-
! sion.
| The young man, then. may learn
| his trade either in the old way. by
entering it, or by attending some In
stitution specializing in the vocation
which he is to follow.
Which is the better way?
Both, ] say.
! If one is to take up technical
trade requiring a scientific or other
special knowledge, he would better
spend few years in some institution
which teaches one this vocation, or
those allied TO 1t, and then finish his
education in the workshop or the
Office of concern devoted to it..
1t is obvious that the factory or the
Office cannot as easily impart the fun
damental principles Of a vocation as
can well-equipped institution.
While at work the apprentice is
obliged to do many things which are
not directly contributing to his edu
cation. lie obtains experience. it is
. I
that broadness of view which would
come to him in school.
The atmosphere of a schoolroom is
conducive TO efficiency. One has moth
ing else to think about: and, there
fore, can devote his entire time to
obtaining a better knowledge of the
work he is TO do for living.
In recommending the technical
schools. | am aware that many OF
them are altogether too theoretical OF
academic, and that they are. perhaps
TOO broad instead o: specific: but. for
all that, the well-cquipped technical
school places before it's pupils the
great fundamental principles, which
If rightly understood and applied. are
of untold benefit.
Certain lines. however, cannot be
taught in school; but a fundamental
knowledge of the majority OF tech
nical trades can be impaired in the
schoolroom and laboratory.
Practically all of our best technical
schools. including Institutes of tech
nology. are managed by experts. who
fortunately. are composite men, no,
OillN bul nav
ing the ability to impart its prin
ciples.
A graduate of one of these insti
tutes, while he may begin close to
the bottom of the ladder. and while
he may work for year or more
alongside of the young man who has
not been favored with his opportuni
ties, will eventually. all things being
equal, advance more rapidly than will
one who entered the trade as an ap
prentice without good technical school
training.
While this school training does not
wholly give the experience of the
workshop. it will teach one. first. the
fundamental principles. and, secondly
how more easily to apply them.