Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-09-03
DR.. ARMAND J. GERSON
On Teaching Pupils to Talk

pEALIZING the growing Importance of
~ spoken English in the public schools
and its ultimate value in after life, the
schools of the city have adopted course IN
oral English which has achieved great re-
suits and which has been copied extensively
by schools all over the country.
The course was put into operation three
years ago by a committee of principals and
district school superintendents appointed by
the superintendent of public schools, of
which DIR. Armand J. Gerson, associate SUI.
perintendent of public schools in charge OF
elementary schools, was the secretary.
"In the matter of teaching English"
said Doctor Gerson, "the public schools of
Philadelphia occupy an enviable position
among the school systems of the country.
The course of study now in operation has
been in use for about three years, and
is meeting with wider and wider approval
as time goes on. One of its most important
innovations is the emphasis it places on in
struCtion in spoken English as opposed to
the emphasis given in former days to formal
grammar and written composition.
at would seem to need no argument to
prove that from the practical point of view
spoken English Is of vastly more Importance
than written language. We all have CON
stant occasion to speak, while but few of us
have frequent need to express our thoughts
in written form. Speech is mans natural
mode of expression, while written discourse
Philadelphia course of study, starting out
from this indisputable premise stresses in
struction in proper speech habits from the
first grade on through the grammar school.
I'm fact, spoken English now occupies
GO per cent of the English course. In the
early grades the work in oral English is
entirely informal The instruction is built
IN on the basis of the children's natural
desire to talk about things that happen in
their daily lives. The youngsters enter into
the spirit of their little conyersation les
purpose. Gradually this spontaneous talk
Is directed into proper channels and the
foundation is laid for enduring speech
habits. Language games also form an es
scntial part of the work in these low grades.
Learn to Express Themselves
"The results have been amazing, Small
children have begun to tai. about things in
which they are interested facing their as
sembled classes and have developed conf
dpnCP and originality in expressing them
selves, not to note effectiveness to IA degree
that could not have been forcseen before the
course was put into operation.
"As they found that they could talk and
express themselves, the idea took hold of
them until now many of them who were
bashful and diffdent readily get to their feet
and clearly and vigorously express them
selves.
Much of this effect has been gained from
up to discuss n matter before the class the
other members are required to criticize his
English and mode of expression. And they
are proving to be very able little critics, too.
The speaker himself is asked to criticize
his efforts, and in most cases he is the most
severe critic of all. Incidentally they are d.
yeloping a critical sense which Is invaluable.
Much attention is paid to their diction.
The requirements of the new course call
for defamation and pronunciation. Both
are taught to be done in lifelike, informal
way that will make them better understood
among those whom they will meet and will
quicken their interest in talking well them
selves.
IAN affectaton in speech is discouraged
The broad and Italian vowel "a, so much
taught to pupils in bygone days as part of
correct English, has been thrown into the
discard, except for the few instances in
which 1t may be legtimately used, for the
more lifelike and correct intermediate "a
Speech has not only been developed from
the standpoint of better expression, but also
from the equally important one of appreci
alton. As the classes progress this idca is
carried out further until in the higher Gle
mentary grades we have debates between tho
pupils.
Simple Explanation Difficult
"In some respects the work with older
pupils is more difficult. This is because the
element Of self consciousness has entered
At this point all the teachers tact ond
ingenuity are required to keep the work
going. The course Of study suggests tonicS
that may be used for informal talks do.