1. “A review of the studies taught in the public schools.
2. “A careful study of the history of education and the school law of Massachusetts.
3. “A study of Psychology, for the purpose of ascertaining true principles and good methods.
4. “A practical application of these principles and methods in teaching.
5. “A high estimate of the importance and responsibility of the teacher’s work, and an enthusiasm for it.”
Westfield.
Another school was opened at Barre, September 4th, 1839, but was moved to Westfield in 1844. It is intended for both men and women students, but out of 147 students in 1892 only 7 were men.
There is a Normal Hall of Residence, erected and furnished by the State, at which either men or women students can live.
The subjects taken are the same as those in the other Normal Schools of the State, for the two or four years’ course. All studies are pursued on the topical plan, and with special reference to the best ways of teaching them. Every student frequently takes charge of a class, and teaches topics, so that throughout the course he is under actual training as teacher.
I had the opportunity of hearing a class in Didactics, conducted by Principal Greenough on the topical method. I found that “topics” simply meant the heads or divisions of subjects. The students had been previously given topics to prepare, and they were called on two at a time to go to the blackboard and write up and explain to the class alternately the various points to be considered under each head. These points were one by one discussed with the Principal and other students. This topical method is adopted at many other schools and colleges. It often happens that one or two students only are entrusted with topics to prepare, which they are expected to be ready to explain to the rest of the class, subject of course to the criticism of the teacher and discussion by the class.