The training of teachers in the United States of America — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
The training of teachers in the United States of America
John Stuart Mill · en
_Plan_ Completeness. Order of parts.
Manner of presentation.
_Method_ Questions--number--order--kind.
_Language_ Relative amounts used by teachers
and pupils. Correctness. Accuracy.
Clearness. Completeness.
Adaptation.
_Illustrations_ What amount. Adaptation. Use.
_Manner_
_Voice_ Of teacher and pupils.
_Mechanical details_ Directions for work. Distribution
of material.
_Control_
_Results_ Training in mental power; accuracy;
neatness; promptitude;
expression. Moral Training.
Knowledge gained.
The suggestion of these points for criticism indicates a very complete
and thorough analysis of a lesson. Such an elaborate form of criticism,
if employed occasionally, seems to me good in encouraging a habit of
mental analysis in those who hear the lesson. It may be useful, too,
as a guide to those unaccustomed to criticising exercises, and may be
helpful in impressing the fact that a lesson is a very complex thing,
difficult to give, and far reaching in its results. The constant use
of rigid forms, however, either for preparation of lessons, or for
their criticism, is to be deprecated as stultifying, and as not adapted
to all lessons and all occasions. It is probable that in many cases
valuable criticisms might be given which would not come under any of
the formal headings, even though the schedule were as complete as
possible. For the last five months the students work entirely under
the direction of teachers of the practising school. Plans of work and
lesson-subjects are discussed with the teacher, and when the lessons
are over, private criticisms only are given. Each student learns to
make her own maps, charts and pictures, which she takes with her when
she leaves the school.
At the end of the course of training, an elaborate report of the
student’s work and standing is issued as regards her standards;
enthusiasm; force; manner; language; writing; questioning; power of
illustration; originality; interest; thoroughness; control.
A certificate qualifying to teach in the schools of the city is given
to those who complete the training course satisfactorily, and who gain
an average of 70 per cent. on examinations at the end of the year.