Correspondence - Study Department.
THE best means for reaching our young people has been a deep problem for the Church. Again and again we have read the statement so familiar to all: “There should be general education of all its [church] members, and all our youth should be permitted to have the blessings and privileges of an education at our schools, that they may be inspired to become laborers together with God.” It has said all; and yet we knew that only a part—and that a small part—were actually reaping the benefits of the schools. Not long ago a movement was begun, and young people’s societies were organized. Then it was found that unless these could be made educational, there would be no lasting results. The question was again raised, “How can education—Christian education—be brought to the young people?” There are to-day hundreds who express a desire for a training which would make them efficient workers, but they have not the means to take a college course. It has been decided by the Educational Department of the General Conference to conduct a school of correspondence in connection with Emmanuel Missionary College. Work will be offered in all the common branches, in history, Bible, physiology, and Bible hygiene, stenography, and proof-reading. All subjects will be taught with one object in view—the preparation of missionaries. The Sanitarium is also offering work by correspondence in medical missionary lines, and the two schools will co-operate, thus offering to our young people one of the best opportunities for home education which has ever been given. Work by correspondence is not wholly a substitute for work with a teacher, but it will help young people in their efforts for self-improvement, and render their stay in school much shorter than under other circumstances. Some of the advantages of work in the Correspondence-Study Department are:— - Personal instruction.
- Accuracy of statement.
- Thoughtful reading, which leads to the asking of intelligent questions.
- Studies pursued without leaving home duties.
- Work wholly independent.
- Expenses light.
In speaking of the value of a correspondence course, one instructor of wide experience says: “The correspondence student must carefully and thoughtfully sift out definite material for himself, and give his opinion of it. This calls for an amount of self-reliant effort that is among the best results of study.” “More sane questions are asked by the student in a correspondence course than by the same student in a resident course.” The Correspondence-Study Department opens Jan. 1, 1902. A handbook describing the methods of conducting the work, subjects offered, and expenses, will be sent upon application. Address Emmanuel Missionary College, Correspondence-Study Dept., Berrien Springs, Mich.