Necessity of Co-operation- Text-Books

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 12, 1908

Necessity of Co-operation— Text-Books

Two great problems confront us in the development of our educational work; one is the best way to support our schools, and the other is the preparation of suitable text-books. It takes time to solve these problems, but the rapidity with which we reach their solution rests largely upon co-operation of effort. In the work of bringing out suitable text-books, the Department of Education is, after all, very dependent upon a united effort of all our teachers. It is impossible for one person or a number of persons to prepare properly even a single book—one which is reasonably well adapted to meet the needs of all. There is a great difference in methods of teaching the same subject, and there is a difference between different parts of the same country as well as between different countries. We must endeavor to have our text-books represent the very best ideas, and as far as possible adapted to the needs of all localities and all lands. To this end we urge upon our teachers again and again the importance of entering heartily into the examination and helpful criticism of all manuscripts in preparation.

We are at present bringing out three new books,—a course in singing, a book on United States history, and one on the study of Daniel and the Revelation. These books have been previously advertised, and will undoubtedly be referred to again. If our teachers will shape their courses of study so as to introduce these books, and then give to them careful study and close scrutiny, and make helpful criticism upon them, it will no doubt be possible for us to provide excellent books on these subjects by another year. United, we shall accomplish much; divided, we shall never succeed.