Normal School's ?

[mikey4444]

In America some schools are referred to as "normal", perhaps with a capital N.

There is a small article in today's Guardian that refers to people having to camp out in the gymnasium of Huangzhong Normal University.

Does anyone know what the "normal" refers to ? Its obviously not in the British English use of the word normal, the opposite of which would be abnormal.

[Mamyalynne]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_school

[slaney]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_school

[Buenchico]

From the OED:
"normal (3): Of, relating to, or intended for the training of teachers, esp. in Continental Europe and N. America. Chiefly in normal school"

[mikey4444]

Thanks everybody !

[stewey]

The term used to be used in Canada also. Many years ago I trained to be an elementary school teacher; and, yes, I attended a "Normal School".

[stewey]

I must add that to this day I am still wondering as to whether or not they succeeded in imparting any normalcy upon me:)

[petal54]

never heard this term,shows my lack of education!