Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 243, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 October 1912 — THIRD DAY OF TEACHERS’ INSTITUTE [ARTICLE]

THIRD DAY OF TEACHERS’ INSTITUTE

Prof. Pittenger Concludes His Wort — Prof. G. I. Christie Here . Today. The Jasper County Teachers’ Institute opened Wednesday morning with several charming numbers by Miss Lyravlne Votaw. After this Rev. W G. Winn, of the Christian church, conducted the devotional exercises, taking for the morning lesson the second chapter of Second Timothy. Prof .Pittenger then began the regular work of the institute with his lecture on the teaching of poetry in the public schools. He showed that in order to teach poetry best it was necessary to do some of it, or actually to compose it in class work. He gave an instructive discussion on this and closed the lecture by reading some of the poetry which has been written by pupils under his instruction. The poem, “A Message,” which appears on page 1141 of the October St. Nicholas, on file at the library, was written by a girl who studied under Prof. Pittenger’s instruction. At the ten o’clock hour Prof. Pittenger spoke to the high school section in the basement of the church building, regarding the teaching of English in high schools. Then the answering of questions and open discussion, this able instructor gave much valuable help to the high school teachers of Jasper county. He also,mentioned further references which might be procured from the Bloomington Normal school. At this same hour Prof. Betts gave a lecture in the main assembly room on the different kinds of imagination. These kinds were given as the reproductive and the creative imagination. The remainder of the forenoon was devoted to the study of the method of introducing time and rhythm to -the younger pupils. Miss Votaw again opened the afternoon session with singing and a short lecture on the three aspects of teaching music, which were, as a language, as a .science, and as an art. Some explanation Was also given of the “rhythmic type.” Prof. Pittenger then concluded his English work with a lecture on the choice of books. He showed that the, more enlightened ±/he student the higher source will fih|>seek for his reading and made the conclusion that the highest .source of good English is found in the Bible. He gave instruction as to the motive of reading* the methods by which a book is brought to the notice of a reader and the manner of reading the best books. His conclusion was that the real test of, appreciation of literature was not in criticism but in seeking for self-emo-tions.

All members of the institute are sorry to have Prof. Pittenger leave our midst, tor his three-days’ stay was very profitable and inspiring to the teachers. Prof. Betts then had copies of his outline on “The Measure of a Good Recitation,” distributed, which he proceeded to enlarge upon and discuss, greatly to the benefit of all teachers. Prof. Betts shows great experience in school work and the ability to throw aside all thearetical terms and get at the heart of the real problem of the teacher. Prof. G. I. Christy, of the Agricultulal Extension Station, Lafayette, is with the Institute today and Friday and promises to give profitable work. Another evening session tonight TODAY’S SESSION. This Thursday forenoon the Teachers’ Institute, being held at the M. E. church, was one of the busiest and best of the week. Rev. Harper conducted the devotional exercises after the opening song. He took for the lesson the Eightyfourth Psalm, which was followed by prayer. ». Miss Votaw then £ave a short lesson on the method of teaching sight reading in music, and also led the assembly in a chorus. Prof. Betts next continued his series of lectures on pedagogy, taking as his subject this morning “The Art of Questioning.” After an introduction in which he showed that questioning is a part of not only the profession of teaching, but of other professions as well, he proceeded to show wherein the average teacher was at fault. His work is very helpful and the product of rich experience. (Next Prof. Christie, of Lafayette, was introduced and proceeded at once to the subject which lies next to his heart. By wqy of introduction he emphasized the importance of greater efficiency of the farmer, and showed how the school had to be related to the home life in order to have the best results. Prof. Christie .does not seem tohe In favor of text books on agrlculture, but believes more actual experimental work should be done. He outlined and performed the first simple experiment to be attempted. Following this State Superintendent Ohas. A. Greathouse was to have been present, but being detained by other work, an able representative was present in the person of Deputy Superintendent Hoffman, who spoke of the-school question as a whole. He brought out the idea that the high school should not be so far separated from the common schools, but simply a higher grade of the public schools. He also emphasized the ' point that teachers must work in greater harmony with the other institutions; home, business life, and church. Prof. W. D. Palmer, of Purdue, has been Induced through the efforts of Supt Lamson to'give an orchard demonstration Friday afternoon at the last session. This is indeed a lucky circumstance for the Institute and one of which all interested should take advantage. ” This Thursday evening at the M. E. church Prof. Christie Will give a lecture to the general public on “Better Home Life Through Better Schools.” All are invited and urged to be present The trustees of Jasper county attended the Institute today en masse.