The Problem of Teaching Municipal Government in High Schools
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Date
1927-07
Authors
Washburn, Orson Monroe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
The textbook treatment of city functions must be general to meet the countrywide use of the books. The limited space which the books can devote to city government permits only the briefest treatment of this phase of the subject of civics. The attempts which have been made by the writer to have the students get the materials themselves have been far from satisfactory. The first hand study can only be made by a fortunate few of the pupils who have the time and ability to make their own investigations. Even these are limited in two respects. First, much of the material is scattered and buried in reports. Second, the observation of the machinery of government can only show a small section of the entire process of municipal government. It has seemed to the writer that much valuable material was at hand. The students show a keen interest, when the facts have been presented to them. The lecture and method of presentation does not seem best, but few teachers can prepare the material and the students do not get the details fully. In the preparation of the material for a course in local city government the high school student and his needs have controlled the selection and scope of treatment. The aim has been to gather material which will show quite fully what the modern city of Portland does for its citizens. In addition to what is now being done, some of the future problems are pointed out.
Description
117 pages
Keywords
city planning, resource distribution, public outreach