STATE FORMAL SCHOOL, SALEM.
28
and how they may draw inferences by comparison. Occasional field trips arouse their enthusiasm, and show them the necessity of an intimate acquaintance with plants in their natural surround-
In general, the classification of plants, their life-history and their relation to their surroundings receive attention. Considerings.
work
done with the microscope, and a good variety of books is supplied to supplement the work in the field and in the laboratory. A close relation is maintained between drawing and able
is
plant study.
As soon
have gained power in acquiring information from material at hand and from books, they are instructed how to convey it to the class in an informal, logical and interesting manner. They are then taught how to lead a class of beginners to observe from specimens by giving directions and asking questions, and during the last six months they give most of the lessons in the class room. as students
Whether the students
are capable, at the end of the year, of
leading children to gain an acquaintance with nature, depends in large measure
upon the
spirit in
which they have undertaken and
accomplished the work.
Geography. [Mr. Moore.]
The course in geography is primarily a study of methods of teaching. The insufficient preparation of the pupils and the lack of time in this course limits the work, however, to the most fundamental topics. But whether it be in the acquisition of facts which serve as the basis for the professional discussion, or in the specific
problem of how to present a lesson to children, right methods of teaching are emphasized.
This school possesses phy.
The building
is
many advantages
for the study of geogra-
most favorably situated
in geographical illustrations.
in a locality rich
In one direction are found the agri-
and pastoral conditions typical of a rural community, and in another the important industrial and commercial features of The influence which the natural features exert upon the city life. life of the people is clearly shown, and the home locality epitocultural
mizes the geographical relations existing throughout the world.