Page:A history of the Michigan state normal school (now Normal college) at Ypsilanti, Michigan, 1849-1899 (IA historyofmichiga00putniala).pdf/94



The description of the work in Algebra, which occupied five weeks in the commion school course, and five weeks in the adyanced course will serve as an illustration of tue mathematical instruction.

‘The work in this study consists first in a rapid review, or a cursory examination of the student as to bis preparation, touching particularly the following points:

1. As to knowledge of the contents of the general subject, the natural order and dependence of the various topics.

2. As to ability to give examples of operations under the principal divisions of the subject, also under the sub-divisions or cases.

3. As to readiness and accuracy in the statement of principles and rules,

4, As to thoroughness of explanation of processes, and facility of illustration.

Norg:—Particular attention should be paid to this part of preparation.

In connection with the above, and properly supplementing it throughout, occur the various professional considerations bearing upon the different parts of the work. Among these may be mentioned the following: ;

1. The utility of Algebra as a practical and disciplinary study; its relation and value as an educational factor; and the objects, consequently, to be kept in view in teaching it.

2. The application of the principles of the Science of Education in the development of a true art of teaching the subject.

3. Practice in teaching, drilling, and conducting classes, supplemented by criticism, theses, and examinations."'

The explanation of the work in Physics, which had the same length of time as algebra, will indicate the nature of the instruction in the various branches of the natural and biological sciences:

“The work in this branch in the Common School Course will be devoted to methods of giving object lessons to children upon the ordinary physical properties of matter, and upon simple physical phenomena. Particular attention will be given to simple experiments, by means of easily devised and inexpensive apparatus, to illustrate the physical operations that are going on all around us, such as evaporation and condensation of water, capillary attraction, effect of heat, reflection of sound and of light, and the practical illustration and explanation of such simple mechanical contrivances as levers, geered wheels, pulleys, pumps, etc.

In the higher courses, in addition to the points above nawed, attention will be given to methods of teaching tbe subject objectively to more advanced pupils, to use of text books, to experimentation, use of instru-