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THE HESPERIAN STUDENT.
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ElHTOUB-IN-CHIICir, .
ASS0CIAT15 ElMTOU, -
LOOAIi Editok, - -Husinkss
Manaobk,
EDITORS.
(J. E. Sthatton and II. W. Oaldwkm,.
Miss May li. Faikkiem).
Sam D. Cox.
E. P. Unangst.
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jEditoriitl.
CLASS LKOTUK15S.
Tliere are many ways that recitations
can be conducted that are equally gooi'..
These, it is not our purpose to discuss at
the present time. Wo wisli to call atten
tion to a method that is seldom employed
by our teachers, and wo believe by
some of them never. Perhaps, some
branches of study, from their very nature,
cannot be successfully taught to element,
ary or even college classes by lectures;
but a majority of them can be thus taught
and it "iild seem with the best of results.
A person who has sumciont acquire,
ments to enter the University classes
ought to be able to master all or nearly
all the matter ot the text-book by himself.
To come to tho class and simply repeat
what he has already learned is of slight
value. What he needs is a clear and con
cise summary of the substance of the text,
or a low words of explanation upon any
point which he has not been able to mus
ter within himself. After this has boon
done, which should take but a small part
of tho recitation period, tho Professor, it
seems to us, might devote tho rest of tho
hour to a lecture, developing the sub.
ject as treated by other authors, explain
ing its growth and history, or in bring
ing out full' and clearly by explanation
and illustration what the author has only
touched upon.
Such a system of course implies that
the student can be trusted to do tho text
book work by himsell. This, any consci
entious student will do; and those who
arc inclined to shirk can be brought to
time by searching examinations upon text
books, and lectures also if thought best.
Another advantago that is to bo gained by
this system is that it aecustomes the stu
dent to grasp an idea, and to select the im
portant parts of everything ho hears
whether in class, or afterwards in active
life, with readiness and precision.
Many a person can road a book, and
carry and retain tho idea: few, however,
can give any satisfactory account of a
sermon or locturo, or even of ,i conversa
tion or debate. Perhaps, tho most impor
tant part of an education is to enable
ono to see quickly, and grasp exactly the
idea of a speaker. Certainly to most pro
fessional men, or to men engaged in poll,
tics, no power is more desirable; and in
no way could it bo more thoroughly cul.
tivated than in an extended course of lect
ures lasting through three or four years,
in which the student was to bo examined,
and from which ho was expected to glean
the leading statements and set them forth
at tho next, hour or at some future rccitu