Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-06-23
DEGREES CONFERRED UPON IS
COLBY Men AND WOMEN--DR.
JOHNSON, 81 SPEAKER OF DAY

Knowledge of the history of this coun-
try. In the more settled nations of
the old world it is an easier task to
get together common body of tradi-
ton. With us it is more difficult. Our
school histories still place undue
/ stress upon the sectional strife of six
~ years ago and tend to keep alive
the feelings in the north and south.
which work against national unity.
We hear much concerning American
iZation. but characterization is more
than teaching English to foreigners.
Real Americanization much have its
founda ton in common understand
ing and a common purpose. The
school must aim TO give this common
understanding of the meaning of de-
mocract. and this purpose to trans
late it's ideals into actualities.
The third aim which we should set
for our schools. said DR.. Johnson. is
health. We have still the physical
characteristics of a pioneer people. To
our shores have come the hardest
people of the earth, but we cannot
count on our sources of physical sta
nina as inexhaustible. We have
been as prodieal of our national life
as Of our other resources The num-
Der of young men rejected by the ex-
amining surgeons as unfit for militia
ry service was appalling. 1t is the
task of the school To disseminate use
full Information regarding personal
and community hygiene. the proven
ton of contagious and other diseases,
and 10 establish proper habits of eat
ing, sleeping. exercising. and other
wise caring for the body. SO that hui
man life may be prolonged and physi-
cal efficiency increased. Physical
training as il is carried on in the
not do its work well.
In the fourth place, our schools
should train young people TO choose
wisely and enter successfully a life
vocation. There is too little vocation
al training in the present system.
Too many boys and girls out of High
school have 10 take any work that of
fers, since they have had no special
lied training. There results a great
y
one job to another. 1t should be the
aim of the school to prevent this
waste by furnishing Information as to
the requirements for the various pro-
LESSONS. There are several institu-
tons now in use in the schools which
VIII go far toward aiding this work.
The mind was once regarded as
composed of general faculties which
could be developed by material not
related 10 the actual activities of life
On this basis one curriculum was as
good as another, so long as it gave
the necessary mental training But
no wit is thought that the mind con-
sists OF various specific mental abil-
tiles which must be developed separ-
ately by special training. On this
basis, the curriculum becomes of
prime Importance. 1t must give
specific training that is useful 1t
must offer means OF explora ton
into the interests and capacities of
individual pupils. Those who leave
the secondary schools will go to COL
lege better trained and better able
10 carry on their work. Those who
go to work after High school will
be more able workers.
But education is not entirely .util-
itanan. The next great aim of the
schools should be the preparation for
worthy use of leisure Much Of the
worlds work is drudgery. Training
for avocation as well as for vocation
is necessary. The shortening of the
working day makes this even more
important. 1t should be the aim of a
school to discover and develop intel
lectual, aesthetic and physical inter-
ests which may be a source of per-
petual enjoyment to a man. We have
had this aim vaguely; we must give it
specific meaning. Our courses in
English literature should not be given
to make the student writer of books
but reader of good books.
One of the chief agents of recrea :
ton in the towns and cities is the
theatre. Higher standards are need
cd in this field, as the character of
many moving pictures indicates
Courses in dramatic art and the ap-
probation thereof will raise the level
of the theatre. Music, too, should be
developed by the school, so that we
may enjoy other songs than rag time
In athletics, We should not play in
the grandstand, but should develop
sports such as cricket and soccer
which we may play up to old age.
There are other interests outside
OF business life which the school may
develop. This is especially true in
the field of science. Theodore Roose-
welt is the best example of an active
man who throughout his life found
in the worthy use of leisure a con-
slant source of strength and refresh
ment.
The last aim for education in a
democracy is moral character. In
struction in religion in the schools is
not longer possible. Standards must
be set up by the group composing the
school. not imposed by the teaching
staff. in terms that have meaning, for
the attainment of which the group
may be made to feel responsible
Such standards are of more value
than codes of formal ethics.
IF we once recognize clearly the
nature of moral training. define our
objective definitely in the terms of
school life. and take steps necessary
to secure right attitudes and habits
of conduct in respect to vital moral
issues. we shall make our education
contribute incidentally to the moral
resources of our democracy"
Education will always be the foun-
dation of democratic society whefher