The Prang system, which aims at the complete organization of Form Study, Drawing and Colour teaching in the schools, demands also the training of its teachers. The system is being introduced into an ever-increasing number of schools, and necessitates some preparation on the part of the teacher in order that its principles shall be rightly understood and effectively carried out. This preparation is being carried on by correspondence. The courses of study are definitely arranged, and the student chooses the one she desires. The text-books and materials are sent to her; she works lessons at home, and forwards to the instructors the results of such work—clay modelling, paper-folding, drawing, etc., written observation exercises describing the appearance of models placed in prescribed positions, written outlines for various class exercises, together with any questions she desires to ask. This work is examined and returned to the student with full criticisms. At the end of the course a certificate is awarded to those who have successfully completed it. This plan of training appears to answer well, and will ensure the success of the system.
Millicent Hughes.
Butler & Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, Frome, and London.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] This is, of course, not the ordinary deaf-and-dumb language,—for which sight would be required,—but a special variety in which the thoughts of the speaker are conveyed by means of varying pressure on different parts of the hand of the one spoken to.
[2] The term “Commencement” is always used in America to indicate the ceremony which takes place at the end of a School or College course. The idea appears to be that the close of the College career really marks the beginning of life in the world.
[3] The word “recitation” is always used in the United States to signify lesson, class or lecture. Its use in this extended sense may be explained by the fact that in early days of American education (and the practice still survives to a greater extent than is desirable) teaching a class merely implied the hearing of lessons learnt by heart from a text-book.
[4] i.e., specialist in the subject of physical exercise.
[5] The Connecticut School Law provides for the establishment and maintenance of such schools for the benefit of the students.