NOTES ON EDUCATION.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 632, 8 October 1909, Page 8

NOTES ON EDUCATION.

[By Socrates.] Commenting on recent views on. neurasthenia, the "British Medical Journal" says: "We venture to think.that it; is.the prevalence of the schoolmaster, and of his satellite the. examiner, which.is, to a large extent, responsible for the prevalence of neurasthenia—the strain of-an unsuitable education forced on a .large number of children who are intellectually and physically incapable of bearing it.', Wo'should like to see examinations radically changed so that they should bo real tests of knowledge, not tinps for. nn 1 uncertain memory. The mind should be trained, not crammed with things which cause intellectual indigestion', and are happily got rid'of as soon.as the necessity for rcincmliering about them is past." The Auckland Education Institute recently forwarded to the Board of Education a resolution to the effect that the institute is of opinion that "a grave injustice is being dono to some women tcacherc in this education district by the practice of excluding women from the higher assistantships." '' Although it was admitted that many women teachers were not desirous of holding such positions, and that many were not suited for the work, the institute believed it was unjust that those who were otherwise eligible should bo excluded solely on account of their sex. ■ The Chief Inspector of Schools, reporting upon this resolution, stated that "it is. not: desirable .that the board should lay down any hard and fast rule in dealing with the question raised. In general, I think a preference should be given to males in filling higher, positions a 6 assistants, but there is no need to exclude. females from these positions, if they possess special qualifications for them." The resolution. was adopted. .. .

In the light qfrecent comments on the attitude of local employers toward' trade classes, ittjs interesting to note that the School Board of Glasgow recently issued a'circular to employers of labour in regard to continuation classes, in which the co-operation of employers was invited with a view to' extending the practical value of their classes. In the. circular, it was pointed out that the Education (Scotland)' Act, 1908,. had laid upon the board and upon employers of labour now and increased responsibilities as to the equipment for tie work of life of young persons in-the district of. the board, and A the'board desired to malce suitable .provision. for. the instruction of these young persons.in languages, and litera-. t.ure, crafts and industries, science, technical and commercial subjects, etc; With this'object in view" the board wished, to, ascertain', what number of young people were employed, to what extent the existing' olasses wero suitable for them, and..whether there were: any other subjecls-of instruction in addition to these enumerated in' tho .board's guide to 'continua- 1 tion classes (copies.of which were sent alone with tho circular), which' might with advantage be taken up. Along with the circular and guide was^forwarded, a schedule, containing a number of questions to which answers were invited, as'well as any remarks or suggestions employers might see fit to offer. These questions were :-r-l. Are yyou of opinion that the arrangements as.shoivn in the guide enclosed are suitable and sufficient? 2. Are thero any other subjects of. instruction, which- in vour opinion might be of advantage to young'persons in your Are you willing to c°;°Pcrate with the in mating anf additional arrangements that'may bo necessary? '4. Dc-you consider that theclasses must " ly ' be aI Md/in the evenings? S Would you co-operate with, the board in ar ranging classes at times other tha^ovenSg to n 6 - W°uU'"'be an advantage to you to .have regular reports, ?he°X*°? your €n ?»;« •., The Joint Coramittee.on ContinuationClassea ?J? e i nC V n , Glasgow'and. the West of Sco? land'.also .took'steps to .ascertain the, mind of .employers. 0 n the .question' so far .&' itXted he training for students and ap>enK & tho professions., and trades which come wfth \n the. scope, of the work of the cornSe Thn trade instruction. The work ir, .n >C. i ° ■i* arrange* on".the 'most' practical HW^ rn^™stiZ ra l«?\ Weigh H forg-' i etf; Etee V beam8 ' ofvario «6 section!, , 'theater J;\<?™>V)°, de/STd awings fo? tho, classes are' cauinnerl ■ »;fWiT ' nop ' and ternmaking and mm^ Pat " taught to translating a * . c| ass pupils are into 8 the fullHsted drawiZ" 1 ? board, patterns and tlmK ° P th ? F aii<! ™ actual: "" ">«■■«* 0 -. educaHon y :Sthori«ori^S n^ to ■- i to enable apprentices n »& arran Sements nica. w andI SdcsTa&^S?^. approved standard > (cßoiinHm, reaching, an snbK> ' *" ™» I"« MtM lhakV. m§mmm Prosperity and is worth Mying for ' ? In T' If w^T^?V? o 'l^° P £| wmmm curncuW Employers a?eto be askpd 'ft! I vibf Sue" 0 W^TLrfhiS 8 ™1 &L™ 8 "J n t»"s country excuse. their employees oiw ?1 i h °f w 'th the best interests of the city at heart mil wish if success.' I; is to b'n hoped, however, that' tho scheme when fullv developed ,rin•include a Labbur BuTea" to be worked in. connection'with tho schools"'