SUPPLEMENT TO THE "JOURNAL OF EDUCATION.” THE SCIENCE AND ART OF TEACHING. BY GEORGE VICTOR LE VAUX, Member of the Royal College of Preceptors (England). Author of "The Twin Records of Creation; or, Geology and Genesis Harmonized," &c. EXTRACTS FROM REVIEWS, &c. This book ... is entitled to our special consideration as being a Canadian production. It begins with an admirably written essay on Ethnology, contributed by Rev. Dr. Bell, of the Queen's University, Kingston. After carefully looking over the work, we think it possesses sufficient intrinsic merit to make it a desirable hand-book for every teacher in the country. . . . It is divided into three parts. The first is the only one with which any fault can be found. . . . Of the remainder, which is by far the most important part of the work, we can only speak in terms of high commendation. It contains the results of a long and varied experience in Teaching in both Europe and America, improved by an extended Course of Reading by a man of clear judgment and sound common sense. While the book is a particularly valuable one for the Teacher beginning his profession, those of even the most extended experience will not fail to benefit by its perusal. It is difficult to select from so much that is good. . . -Nation. This work, by one of the earliest contributors to "The New Dominion Monthly," is deserving of special notice as a valuable contribution to the Teacher's library. Part I. treats of First Principles; Part II., of School Management; and Part III., of the Methods to be pursued in Teaching. The last two parts contain a vast number of practical suggestions, which cannot fail to prove of great value to the Teacher. . . . -New Dominion Monthly. A careful perusal of this work-which may in truth be termed the Teacher's Friend-and the practical application of its rules, will obviate much, if not all, of the difficulties heretofore experienced by the Teacher, and make his professional duties so plain that a mistake can occur only by culpable negligence. We cannot too highly praise Mr. Le Vaux's most excellent work, nor too strongly recommend it to the early attention of Teachers.-Irish Canadian. The author has made the subject the study of his life, and is an experienced and successful Teacher. His plan in the book is very comprehensive, embracing almost every topic upon which kindly and wise hints may be of service. Every person engaged-whether professionally or otherwise-in training the intellect and discipline of the young, will find Mr. Le Vaux's work of great value.-Mail. I have read over your excellent work on "Science and Art of Teaching," and am happy to be able to extend to it my encouragement and approbation. Your work will be of especial assistance to Teachers, to whom is committed the training of the youth of our country. -Archbishop of Toronto. I congratulate you on the production of your excellent work on "Science and Art of Teaching," and welcome it as a valuable addition to Scholastic Literature.-G. R. R. Cockburn, M.A., Principal, Upper Canada College. It contains a vast amount of inestimable professional information, expressed in the happiest manner. Its careful perusal would be of great advantage to any Teachers or Parents, but more especially to the young and inexperienced, and such as are preparing for Teachers' Certificates.-Prof. C. J. Wilson, LL.D., Cincinnati. Hon. John Jessop, Chief Superintendent of Education, British Columbia, writes:-I have read your interesting and very instructive work on "The Science and Art of Teaching." I have ordered a few dozen copies for distribution amongst our Teachers. A valuable contribution to School Literature. We strongly recommend this excellent treatise. -Journal of Education, Toronto. PRICE, ONE DOLLAR. PUBLISHERS-COPP, CLARK & CO., 47 FRONT STREET, TORONTO. MAY BE ORDERED.THROUGH ANY BOOKSELLER. N.B.-This Book is Specially Recommended to Candidates preparing for Teachers' Certificates. I. PROCEEDINGS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.-(1) Teachers' Excursion to the Centennial Exhibition; (2) Admission to the Normal Schools; (3) Normal Schools, Toronto and Ottawa; (4) Intermediate Examination, December, 1876; (5) Central Committee of Examiners; (6) Remittances by Inspectors and Trustees to the Education Department; (7) Ontario Teachers' Association; (8) Meeting of Sections II. BORTHWICK OTTAWA INVESTIGATION.-(Continued from page 111). III. ADVERTISEMENTS........ I. Proceedings of the Education Department. 1. TEACHERS' EXCURSION TO THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION. Ontario. No. 8. vast amount of practical knowledge, which would greatly aid them PAGE in teaching many subjects, especially commercial geography and natural history." 113 121 128 3. The Committee also shews that it was not possible for the teachers in any numbers to visit the exhibition during the summer vacation, by reason of some being engaged in passing examinations for certificates, and some as examiners; and their attendance at the annual Provincial Convention, which is justly regarded as a duty of paramount importance, also absorbed a considerable part of the vacation, and there was the additional reason that until within the last two or three weeks, the Railway Companies were not prepared to make as reasonable arrangements as now for excursion parties to the exhibition. The Committee propose that trustees, sholars and others interested in Educational progress should also be entitled to join in their proposed visit. 4. The undersigned considers that the Educational interests of the Province will be promoted by teachers and others visiting the exhibition, and in this view would respectfully recommend that His Honour in Council may be pleased to authorize that, in cases where teachers may obtain the requisite permission from the respective Boards of Trustees to visit Philadelphia, on the occasion referred to in the communication of the Committee of the Provincial Association of the 24th of August, and in consequence of which any school may not be open, the days on which such school is so necessarily closed, may be deemed by the Education Department as meeting days, under the General Regulations in that behalf. Respectfully submitted, The undersigned respectfully begs to report to His Honour the EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 1. The Ontario Association for the Advancement of Education (2) They could examine and compare with our own the results of Public School teaching in the different parts of the United States, as they are exhibited by means of examination papers written by the pupils and specimens of drawing, writing, &c. They could also familiarize themselves with the processes by which these results have been obtained." 66 (3). They would have the opportunity of visiting the Public Schools of Philadelphia while in session, and witnessing the modes of grading. disciplining and teaching adopted in them." (4). They would have the privilege of attending the meetings of the National Institute for teachers, and of there meeting and exchanging views with the educational representatives from different parts of the world." 66 (5). The whole exhibition, containing, as it does, specimens of the chief natural and manufactured productions of the world, and showing the highest results yet obtained in many departmenta of science and art, would form a grand object lesson, the effects of which in developing the minds of teachers, and through them those of their pupils, it is impossible to estimate. It would give them 2. ADMISSION TO THE NORMAL SCHOOLS. The undersigned respectfully begs to report for the consideration of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, the following Supplementary Regulations, in regard to the Normal Schools, namely: In order to increase the facilities of third-class and other teachers, to better qualify themselves for the discharge of the duties of their profession, the Minister of Education respectfully recommends the adoption of the following additional regulations, relative to the admission of students to the Toronto and Ottawa Normal Schools, respectively:— I. Candidates for admission to either of the Normal Schools, at Toronto or Ottawa, shall have the preference for admission in the following order: 1. Those who have attended either of the Normal Schools during any former session. 2. Those who hold a Public School teacher's certificate of any grade. 3. Those who hold temporary certificates or permits as teachers, or certificates as assistants, or monitors in Public or High Schools. 4. Those who desire to enter the profession of teaching. II. The third and fourth classes of applicants mentioned above, shall be required to pass the prescribed entrance examination. Those in the first and second classes shall be admitted without such examination, on presentation to the Principal of the prescribed certificate of good moral character. III. As the number to be admitted is limited by the capacity of books as are, or may be, authorized. Therefore be it resolved the schools, vacancies in either of them will be filled by applicants for admission to the other, in the order indicated above. IV. No admission to the Schools shall take place, except at the beginning of each Normal School Session. ment. that the appointment of a Committee for the above purpose be respectfully urged upon the attention of the Minister of Education, and, furthermore, that the Committee be selected from a list of names furnished by Inspectors, County Associations, or by the Provincial Association." Mr. Suddaby seconded the motion. Messrs. Miller, McCallum, Sullivan, Alexander, McIntosh, Moran, Smith, McMurchy, Scarlett, Strang, Brown, Dearness, McKellar, Camp|bell, Osborne, and Alexander, took part in the discussion. PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. The Secretary read a communication from the President, expressing unabated interest in the work of the Association, together with an address to the inspectors and teachers of High and Public Schools, written by Dr. Ryerson at the time of his retirement from office, and then published in the Journal of Education. paper dealt with the qualifications, character and remuneration of teachers, and pointed out the great improvement which had taken place in these matters of late years. The Mr. J. H. Knight moved, and Mr. Scarlett seconded, a vote of thanks to Dr. Ryerson. RECEPTION OF DELEGATES. Mr. Strang reported on behalf of the County of Huron Teachers' Association, of which he gave an interesting account. ADDRESS BY MR. GOLDWIN SMITH. 6. REMITTANCES BY INSPECTORS AND TRUSTEES modern Babylon was one dense mass of humanity. After referring TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. 5. CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF EXAMINERS. The Chairman of the Central Committee of Examiners desires that an intimation may be given in the Journal, that com- interesting address on a subject on which he had previously lecMr. Goldwin Smith was then introduced, and delivered a very munications or certificates, examinations and other matters re-tured in Toronto-" A tour in England." He said the old English lating to the work of the Committee, should be addressed to stage-coach existed now only in novels, and the railway now took the Education Office, and not to individual members of them from whatever quarter they came into the greatest of all the the Committee, as the Committee does not desire to receive great nerve centres of European life-London. London was not any letters except such as may be referred to it by the Depart- so much a city as a province of brick and stone. He supposed it included now something like 140 square miles, which would be about three-fifths the reputed area of the ancient Babylon. That, however, was a city of gardens and open spaces, whereas the to the principal markets of London-Leadenhall, Billingsgate and Covent Garden-Mr. Smith spoke of the great improvement made by the building of the Thames Embankment, which, with the magnificent buildings which lined it, would constitute perhaps the London was the greatest centre noblest water-street in the world. of life the world had ever seen. mercial, political and social. The commercial centre lay in the It was a three-fold centre-comEast, where was the old city with its historic names, St. Paul's, Cheapside, the Temple Gardens, the India House, the Tower, Newgate, Temple Bar, Fleet Street, and St. Clement Danes Church. The city was now no longer the home of society, but of offices and warehouses. It was still, to its misfortune, the domain of the Lord Mayor and city guilds, whose noble original design and useless modern existence was described. The population of Lon don was so dense that the people would be suffocated if it were not for the parks. They were the right sort of parks. Unlike the Persons having to make remittances to the Education Department of Ontario, will please send the same, if to the amount of $50 or over, through an agency of the Bank of Commerce, or the Bank of Montreal, if there be one in the neighbourhood. The amount can be deposited at the agency to the credit of the Minister of Education, and the duplicate bank receipt enclosed with the letter of advice to the Education Department. Small amounts should be sent by P. O. Order. All money letters to the Department should be registered. 7. ONTARIO TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION. The Sixteenth Annual Convention of the Ontario Teachers' Asso-boasted Central Park in New York, they had broad lawns and Vice-President. The proceedings commenced with the reading of the 67th Psalm and prayer by Mr. McCallum. The Secretary (Mr. A. McMurchy) called the roll of officers. The minutes were held as read. The Treasurer (Mr. S. McAllister) read the Treasurer's report, which showed the total receipts to have been $216, and the expenditure $109, leaving a balance of $107. The total assets were about $120 and the liabilities $56. He moved the adoption of the report. The motion was carried, and Messrs. McCallum and W. Anderson were appointed to audit the accounts. stately shade-trees, and were in the centre of the city. They had lately been much improved, and were now, he thought, unrivalled in the world, except by that most beautiful of all parks--the Phoenix Park in Dublin. The centre of law and politics was at scribed the hard work and methodical habits of English Ministers, Westminster, in the middle of the metropolis. He briefly dewho were so wonderfully long-lived, and alluded to the want of of Commons, the wonderful eloquence of a few, and the characteroratorical powers among the generality of members of the House istics of the House of Lords. he referred to the statues of Chatham and Wolfe which were there In speaking of Westminster Abbey, as of special interest to Canadians. A century had passed since the conquest of Canada, and the world, they might hope, had grown somewhat better in that time. Nations were beginning—though only beginning-to count the blood as well as the laurel which attended victory. The national elements which met in arms on the Heights of Abraham were blending together, they hoped, in one Canada which would gradually cast off all remnants of the passions of the old world, so that the stream of Canadian nationality might flow, like our own St. Lawrence, like one united current though fed from a thousand springs. (Applause.) minster Hall introduced an allusion to the history of English law, The home of Royalty was at Balmoral, but its offices and reception rooms were at St. James. The difference between the theory and Mr. R. Alexander moved: "That in the opinion of this Associ- practice of the English constitution was illustrated by a compariation there should be a provision made for the thorough examina-son between the actual power exercised by the Sovereign and the tion of new text-books, and the careful revision of such text- Prime Minister. Westward again was the world of society, of The Secretary suggested that a minute should be prepared in reference to their regretted friend, the late J. B. Dixon, of Peterboro'. He moved, That the following members be appointed a Committee to draft a minute expressive of our esteem of the late J. B. Dixon, M. A., Head Master of the Peterboro' Collegiate Institute E. Scarlett, W. Anderson, W. McIntosh, and the mover a copy of the said minute to be sent to Mr. Dixon's family." After several members had expressed their high esteem for their late friend, the motion was seconded by Mr. McIntosh, and carried. THE METHOD OF PREPARING AND REVISING TEXT BOOKS. ; West which an interesting and amusing description was given. The latter class were anxious to attain the highest honours of the promagnificence of the west was contrasted with the squalid suburbs fession, and were constantly increasing their knowledge, no allowin the east of London, the existence of which was not, however, so ance was made for their experience and skill. In regard to the much the fault of England as the disease of old countries. The programme of examination, he said the Board of Examiners was an neighbourhood of London was as interesting as the metropolis irresponsible and autocratic body in relation to the teachers. They itself. The beauty of the Crystal Palace gardens led one to fore- had power to raise the standard, and might do so either to raise cast the happier time when a new and more glorious Versailles the qualifications of the teachers, or to exclude all but university should rise, not for a Louis XIV., but for the people. In alluding men from the office of Inspector. The English language and literto Oxford, Mr. Smith took occasion to point out that the English ature received only 425 marks, art 150, while science received Universities were federations of a number of different colleges. The 1,575 marks. Mathematics alone had 1,000 marks- more than a University conducted all the examinations except the entrance third of the whole number. Mathematics thus stood prominently examinations, and conferred all the honours and degrees. Each high and English prominently low. This, he contended, was not college had its faculty of tutors, and the University had a superior in proportion to the requirements. The schools were spreading the faculty of some forty professors. This system permitted the ex- knowledge of reading, but were they directing it in the right direcistence of a great university staff, the building of magnificent tion? If the same care were taken to explain a play of Shakeslibraries, and the creation of an atmosphere of learning and science peare's, a passage of "Paradise Lost," or a novel of Scott's or which so largely promoted both, and had very great advantages in Dickens' as was taken to expound a mathematical problem, much comparison with the American system, which had crept into Canada, would be done to form a correct taste for literature. An irresponof isolated colleges. He had always regretted that in this country sible Board of Examiners could easily defeat the object of the Act our colleges were scattered and our resources frittered away, so of Parliament by making the questions too easy or too difficult. that in no one place had we that atmosphere of learning and science The members of that Board being separated by pursuits and prewhich Oxford and Cambridge, to their great benefit, enjoyed. We vious studies from the great body of Public School teachers, they could not expect to create in this new land universities like those would view the subject from their own standpoint. He strongly of the Old World. We could not expect to introduce their systems advocated the necessity of giving more place to English literature of education here yet at all events. Our education must be of a and composition, and placed music and drawing among the most more practical kind, or it would have no roots in the affection and important and necessary branches of Public School studies. The interest of the people; but still, though industry and commerce proposal that Public School teachers should be more fully representmust be our main concern, we might look forward to adding to our ed on the Central Committee would, if carried into effect, have the wealth what alone could make wealth worth having, for if a com- happiest results. The number of third-class certificates had largely mercial nation had wealth without education it would only go on increased, 50 per cent. of the candidates having passed. In the breeding sensuality which would lead to decay. (Applause.) The second class but 20 per cent. passed, and in the highest examinacountry life of England was then described, a favourable idea was tion only ten certificates were granted. The preponderance of given of its climate, the location in which grandeur of scenery was lower class teachers and the small cost of obtaining their services to be found, and the general sylvan beauty of English landscapes would drive out the higher class of teachers, and immediate action were mentioned. The union workhouse was by far the saddest was therefore wanted on the part of the Government. Greater object in an English landscape. The lot of the agricultural labourer centralization was required, and he recommended that the papers had, however, been much improving, and of late his wages had risen. of the second class, like those of the first, should be examined only Some, at least, of the credit of this must be given to the humble by the Central Board. It had also been suggested that the pupil statesman, Joseph Arch. (Applause.) A brief reference to the teacher system, as it prevailed in England, should be introduced, active manufacturing north, and to the remnants of the England of in order to secure teachers trained in the work of teaching, and the past, led to an eloquent peroration, in which Mr. Smith said the further that grants of public money should be made to schools memories of our past were in Westminster Hall, Westminster which employed the higher grade of teachers. It had also been Abbey, and Windsor Castle. Our present objects, our hopes for proposed that, in order to allow working teachers to obtain the the future, were here in our own Canada. Our ancestors had run higher class certificates, two years should be allowed in which to their glorious career in the Old World. Let us try to run a career pass the examinations-the candidate being examined the second which should not shame them in the New. (Cheers.) A unani- year only in those subjects in which he might have failed in the mous vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Smith by the Convention. first. He urged that the promise made by the late Council of PubMr. White, ex-President of the National Teachers' Association lic Instruction that the examination should be based on certain of the United States, and Principal of the New York Normal School, specified text-books should be rigidly adhered to. A fear had then addressed the Convention on the invitation of the chairman. arisen of late that obstacles would be interposed which would virHe referred to the interesting character of the proceedings of the tually preclude the practical teachers from being promoted to the Convention during the afternoon, and especially to its action re-office of Inspector. It had been suggested that this office should be garding the late Mr. Dixon. Many of the greatest and best of confined to those who had a University education. A leading men had contented themselves with the position of teachers, and journal had advocated this restriction, and had predicted that the there were few successful men who were not indebted for their suc- time would soon come when a University degree in arts, in addition cess to the same humble individual. It was, therefore, fitting at to the possession of a first-class certificate, would be indispensable. their Conventions that they should record their appreciation of those He maintained that there should be no necessary distinction who since their last meeting had passed away. He alluded to the between the qualifications of the Public School Inspector and those Centennial Exhibition, from which he had just come, dwelling par- of the Public School teacher, except in regard to longer experience ticularly upon its influence as an educating power. The exhibit of and greater skill. If the proposal were carried out faith would be the Educational Department of this Province was especially inte- broken with the teachers who held high class certificates, which resting and instructive, and was highly spoken of by all education- would prove only empty honours. They might enter the ministry, ists who witnessed it. He concluded by wishing the Association medicine or law without a University education, but as Public God speed. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. White, who, in School teachers they were to be told that, whatever attainments responding to the vote, said that very likely the next meeting of they might have, unless they agreed with the curriculum of a Unithe National Educational Association would be held in Put-in Bay, versity they should not have the office which their country, in a Lake Erie, and he hoped to see a large attendance of Canadian momentary fit of justice and generosity, of which it afterward reeducationists. pented, promised should be the reward of their skill and experience. He called on the Convention to maintain the claims of the Public School teacher, and hoped that the country would be faithful to the conditions it laid down and the hopes it created. (Applause.) Mr. Sullivan, moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Lewis for his paper, The motion was carried after remarks on the subject were made by Mr. McAllister and Dr. Wadsworth. EXAMINATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS. Mr. Richard Lewis read a paper on the examination of public school teachers. He divided his subject into three parts:-1, the principle upon which certificates were now granted; 2, the subjects of examination, especially for the award of the first-class certificates; 3, suggestions as to alterations and remedies. He remarked Mr. McAllister, then moved the following resolutions :-"That that it was a question whether they had not gone too far and at- in the opinion of this Association, extended experience in succestempted too much in this matter. According to the present system, ful teaching should be recognised as an important element in attainments were treated as everything, and experience and skill granting first and second-class certificates; that candidates for the as nothing. The tendency of this was to discourage professional grades of both first and second-class certificates should be allowed skill and to encourage merely intellectual attainments. While the option of taking up the whole of the subjects at one examimany holders of Provincial certificates were content to rest on nation, or of dividing them into the work of two subsequent their laurels, there were many uncertificated teachers who were in examinations—if they take up the whole at one examination and no particular below those who possessed certificates. While this fail, they should be required to be examined the next year in |