The High School Course in Geography

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1910. Excerpt: ... III THE TEACHING OF GEOGRAPHY The Problems of the Teacher In teaching a subject like geography, the teacher faces two problems at the outset: (1) The selection of the matter to be presented. (2) The adoption of a general method. The text book used will largely solve the first problem. On the whole, any one of the widely used text books is a safe guide as to subject matter. In selecting topics for emphasis, the teacher must use her own judgment, getting such help as is available. In the adoption of a general plan of teaching the subject, the teacher will, quite naturally, do about as her own teachers have done, until she has evolved a more satisfactory method for herself. All studies which are entitled to a place in the school curriculum yield a variety of benefits to the student who seriously pursues them. But some studies, In their very nature, are qualified to yield certain benefits in a larger degree than others. The close application of mind required in studying the classical languages, develops power of concentration. The study of algebra and geometry develops power of logical reasoning. The study of history gives breadth of mind and yields valuable information. The study of physics yields some of the disciplinary benefits of mathematics and some of the general culture of the scientific studies. Besides yielding their own particular benefits, each yields in greater or lesser degree, all of the general benefits of education. Since some studies are particularly qualified for accomplishing certain ends, it is desirable that we find what these ends are, in the case of a given study which we are to teach, and then so direct our efforts that the greatest benefits may result. Definiteness of aim is exceedingly desirable. In selecting the subject matter to b...