Teaching Methods

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28259, 23 April 1957, Page 3

Teaching Methods

Sir,—lt is a pity more details were not given of the results of 9 survey which Mr W. J. Cartwright quoted as showing that the views of teachers and parents coincided. How did the parents indicate the quantity of emphasis? How could this be related to the school time-table? Educationists have fairly consistently claimed that a sum done correctly is a contribution to the development of moral character, citizenship and reasoning powers. I recommend that the following question be included in the next survey: “Do you consider it detrimental to a person’s moral character if he accepts payment for a job he is not doing efficiently?’’— Yours, etc., NOT HOODWINKED. April 20, 1957.

Sir,—One evening recently in a friend’s home I saw the results of a little competition in spelling and arithmetic among seven intermediate and secondary school pupils. I was amazed at the very poor results. They were shockingly bad indeed. Surely, with some £30,000.000-odd spent on education, business and professional people are entitled to something better. By the way, I thought “For the Defence’’ tilt at parents was exaggerated, and in poor taste. Undoubtedly very, very few parents would say “I don’t do nuffink good.” I am doubtful if one in a thousand would.— Yours, etc.. FOR BETTER TEACHING. April 22, 1957.