The Correspondence School by W. E. HOWELL.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 26, 1909

The Correspondence School

By W. E. HOWELL.

How to Plan Studies

When to Begin

APPLICANTS for studies in the Correspondence School are frequently asking, How much time will be required for the preparation of a lesson? The range of individual ability is so great, and the methods of study so varied, that it is difficult to answer this question definitely. But some general remarks will be helpful to the student in estimating his work.

In arranging for instruction by correspondence, it seemed best to set a definite standard before the student, and to place a reasonable limitation on the time for completing a subject. The standard set is that of preparing not less than one lesson a week, and of studying not less than one hour a day. This means a maximum of six hours spent on each lesson in study and in the preparation of the recitation paper to be sent in for correction. Many will complete two lessons in that time, and some three; but ordinarily no one will require more than six hours for thorough work on one lesson.

It is understood that a correspondence lesson is necessarily a little longer than those usually assigned in residence work. A teacher must make his requirements a little stronger than where he has personal contact with his students, in order to assure himself that thorough work is being done. Most subjects are covered

in forty lessons. Some are completed in twenty lessons. Thus a student may estimate the amount of time it will take him to complete a subject. While every student is urged to advance as rapidly as consistent, thoroughness will be insisted upon, even to the point of doing an entire lesson over when the instructor deems it best. If we expect credits given by the Correspondence School to be accepted by our resident schools, we must give the latter satisfactory evidence that the work has been well done. Thoroughness is, too, what the student has a right to expect for his own highest good.

On the question of time, however, it is only just to concede that sometimes unforeseen circumstances will arise, such as sickness or other serious disability, when extension of time for completing a subject would be reasonable. To meet such cases, a maximum of one year is allowed for completing a course of forty lessons without special arrangement with the school. When more than one year is consumed on one subject, special adjustment with the school must be made before continued instruction will be given.

“How Many Studies Shall I Carry at a Time?”

Unless a student wishes to complete a subject in a short time for a particular purpose, it would be an advantage to him to take two or more subjects simultaneously, provided he can do more than one lesson a week. The chief advantages are these:—

1. He can reduce expense. A discount is allowed when a student registers for two subjects at the same time. More discount is given for three when registered for at the same time. Then two lessons may often be sent for the same postage as one.

2. Two or more studies pursued together give variety. A change of subject is a rest to the mind.

3. It keeps the student's work better balanced.

Associated Study

Under right conditions, a student may often get more out of a subject by studying part of his time with some one else. The right conditions are that the two be of about the same mental caliber and development; that their tastes or bent of mind be similar; and that they never yield to the temptation to squander precious time conversing on topics foreign to their lesson during the period set apart for study together. Frequently two in the same community might want to take the same study, and could arrange to do part of their studying together. One is a stimulus and encouragement to the other. But such arrangements should be entered into with precaution. Certainly no one should be unkind or selfish enough to attach himself to another manifestly much stronger than he, and surely no one would allow himself to depend on the other to do his work for him to any degree; for such a course would defeat the very purpose of taking the study. Such association, too, must be strictly confined to preliminary study; for every recitation paper must be prepared independently, every such paper being signed to this effect by the student who sends it in.

The Time to Begin Study

The Correspondence School will open its doors bright and early Monday morning, October 4. The first lesson will be mailed in Washington on that date. Let every one who possibly can, have all the details of classification arranged in time to have his first lesson mailed the first day.

After October 4, any student may register at any time in any subject offered in the Announcement, or subsequently announced in any other way.

The first lesson will be sent on receipt of the registration blank and the proper remittance.

A supply of Correspondence School Announcements and registration blanks is now in the hands of all Young People's Missionary Volunteer and Educational secretaries and superintendents. The Announcement contains full information on the benefits of correspondence study, the method employed, the classification of studies, the studies offered, the expense incurred, the method of registration, etc. Send for a copy at once, in order that you may become a charter member of the school.

W. E. HOWELL.