Teacher training

Press, 7 April 1979, Page 14

Teacher training

Sir, —ln reply to Dr Mann (April 4), I did make my views about course changes known directly to the Teachers’ College. As well, I offered to take part in evaluative discussions at Ham, an offer that has not yet been accepted. It is disturbing that Dr Mann implies that what happens at his college is not for public discussion or criticism, an attitude shared by our Department of Education. Surely the taxpayer who foots the SBOOM bill each year has a right to know more than just the official party line. One area of deep concern to the Educational Standards Association is the near anarchy that too often results from the implementation of oversimplified “desire to learn” philosophies. Teachers’ College has to face up more to the realities of the situation so that students can deal effectively with “combat zone” situations as they occur. As every experienced classroom teacher knows, once an orderly tone is lost, effective learning is impossible. — Yours, etc.,

JOHN LEVERSEDGE. Regional Co-ordinator, Educational Standards Association. April 5, 1979.