The training of teachers in the United States of America
John Stuart Mill · en
Connected with the lectures on methods, and the organization and
management of public schools, is the systematic inspection of
designated schools by students, and a detailed report on some phase
of school life observed there. Each student is required to make a
comparative study of the teaching of a chosen subject, in all the
grades of at least two schools; or he may make a study of supervision
and discipline in two schools. Students must also make a comparative
study of not less than three city school systems, of three State school
systems, and of the school system of England, France, and Germany. This
work of inspecting and reporting is considered a very important part
of the pedagogical course.
The courses in methods, given by the professors of different college
departments, are conducted by means of lectures and conferences in
connection with Greek, Latin, English, German, French, history,
mathematics, physics, chemistry, botany, zoology, geology and
geography. Most of these “Teachers’ Courses” require attendance at
some other college course in the same subject, where the professor
illustrates his own method. In a few cases, attendance at lessons in
the specified subjects, in schools near the University, is required.
The courses in pedagogy have, until the present year, been closed to
all but graduates. Lately, however, the regulations have been changed,
and pedagogical work may now count towards a degree.
There is no opportunity given to the Harvard pedagogical students for
actual teaching; but the connection brought about between the college
department and the secondary schools, by the constant attendance of
students in the school-rooms of the neighbourhood, may possibly develop
into a system wherein trained students may act as substitutes in these
schools. Quite apart, however, from this possible future connection,
there is even now an important practical relationship between
Harvard University and some of the secondary schools--viz., that of
supervision. In establishing a system of examination of the teaching
in such schools as make application, Harvard has acknowledged the
important principle that chief among the functions of an university is
that of directing and stimulating secondary education.
The Department of Education at Clark University, Worcester,
Massachusetts, is a branch of the Department of Psychology. While doing
much to advance the cause of the professional training of teachers,
it does not strictly adapt its courses to the wants of the future
secondary teacher. The fact that Clark University, unlike any other
University in the United States, exists solely for the purpose of
research, and admits only graduates as its students, determines that
the pedagogical work shall also have a special character, well marked
off from that of any other university. The department is purely one of
higher pedagogy. Its aim is stated to be twofold:--