Visual Education (Jan 1923-Dec 1924)

February, 19 2 3 35 selves a method of improving their powers of observation and have come to realize practically, although not theoretically, the elements that make for improvement, while those possessing less native mental endowment have not been able to do this for themselves. But when given the necessary help by special training and the necessary incentives provided by a method of measuring their progress .... they show rapid improvement. The indication is that they would soon overtake the more fortunate half of our total group. Regardless, however, of what the cause may be, the fact remains that training in observation may be given with great success to that section of our school population which stands most in need of aid in this fundamental type of learning." IN GENERAL, the results of this carefully conducted investigation suggest certain possibilities in visual education that, so far as we are informed, have not been seriously considered. The improvement in accuracy of observation and fidelity of report secured by the carefully planned type of training described indicates that the use of pictures, both of the moving and of the still type, may have a hitherto unsuspected value. It cannot be too strongly emphasized, however, that the way in which the training is given will be a most important factor in its effectiveness. Educational Films In Sweden THAT motion-picture films will be extensively used as a medium of education in the public schools of Sweden is now assured, reads an Associated Press dispatch from Stockholm, under date of January 6. The Superior Board of Education has been won over to the idea and, in conjunction with the National Bureau of Motion Pictures, has issued instructions to make the plan operative. From now on Swedish children will learn their geography lessons from the screen. Films will also be used in teaching natural sci ences and in giving instruction in the technique of various trades. Physics will be taught through slow-motion pictures and it is hoped that, as stereographic projection becomes more perfect, solid geometry can be taught in a way not otherwise possible. The Board of Education plans a systematic inauguration of the new scheme. One of the first steps is to give regular instruction to young teachers in the proper care and handling of projecting machines and other film apparatus. In certain cases films will be purchased and become property of the schools. Other films will be rented and sent on tour from one school to the next. All government institutions and industries will be specially filmed for the purpose of instruction. Instruction by motion pictures in the regular curriculum, under competent teachers, is taken here to mean a safeguarding of the children's education and a correction of the misinformation and erroneous impressions now so often obtained fro'm the commercial films in the public theaters. The Happy School" -I N STEAD of sending a truant officer to bring children to school, parents would have to send a policeman to drag them home if educational movies were in general use," recently declared Thomas J. Casey, principal of the Gladstone School, Chicago. "The day is coming when every school will have such projector and film equipment in addition to textbooks, libraries and laboratories. It will make the school a place in which boys and girls will learn to live and think, instead of a place where they merely receive instruction according to the curriculum. "Life as it is lived can be brought to boys and girls through school films — films produced by educators who understand true values and know the human equation, as well as the formal requirements of the course of study. School should be a happy place, and the right kind of educational motion pictures can help to make it more so than it is today." UPON the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in. — ABRAHAM LINCOLN.