Doubtless, like reformers generally, Colonel Parker was too extreme.
Some of his innovations were later modified, even by the originator
himself. Nevertheless, the Quincy Movement did incalculable good by
breaking up the formalism that prevailed, by making the work practical
and interesting, by offering suitable material, by improving the methods
of instruction, and by awakening great interest in educational problems
among both the teachers and the public at large. For this great work at
Quincy, for his many years' service as the head of the Chicago Normal
School, and for his stimulating influence upon elementary education
throughout the country, Colonel Parker deserves a place among the
foremost educators of recent times. The example of the Quincy School
Board in placing an educational expert over their schools has been
followed by many cities. The office of city superintendent has been
created, and to him is now committed duties that formerly were
undertaken by members of the School Board who were without professional
training. This change marks a decided step forward in the educational
progress of our country.
THE HERBARTIAN MOVEMENT
One of the most important educational movements of recent years, is that
inaugurated by the disciples of Herbart[184] in this country. At the
meeting of the New England Association in Denver in 1895 a number of
men, most of whom had studied under Stoy and Rein in Germany, formed the
National Herbart Society, whose purpose was declared to be "the
aggressive discussion and spread of educational doctrines." This society
was the outgrowth of the Herbart Club, formed three years before at
Saratoga. It is now known as the National Society for the Scientific
Study of Education. It holds semiannual meetings in connection with the
National Association, but is not a department of said Association. It
issues "Yearbooks" which contain the results of the investigations of
its members and which are valuable contributions to current educational
literature.
Among the most important educational theories brought forward by this
school may be mentioned that of Apperception, the Doctrine of Interest,
the Correlation of Studies, Concentration, the Culture Epoch Theory, and
Character Building as an end of education. The practical application of
these theories to school problems has not been neglected. There is no
doubt that the Herbartian teachings have served to bring education in
this country to a scientific basis. The members of this society have
been among the foremost contributors to the pedagogical literature of
the last decade.
VARIOUS TENDENCIES
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