EDUCATIONAL REFORM

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2497, 25 June 1915, Page 4

EDUCATIONAL REFORM

"A BRILLIANT SUGGESTION." Sir,—Some ten years ago a distinguished American— Colonel Bell—visited New Zealand, and disoovored its enormous political fertility and inventivity, and wrote an epoch-making work on his discovery, entitled "Oseba's Last Discovery"! Colonel Bell has, I believe, gone the way of all flesh; but I am sure ) that were he to revisit the glimpses of/ a New Zealand* moon once more thf»' most striking new and "last" discovery v ( which he could make, is one which is said to be the result of long and pa iient researches conducted by the University reformers in I\ T ow Zealand. It is said that to Victoria College is <£ue the "honour in chief" in connection with the valuable and ingenious discovery—so far modestly .characterised as a "suggestion" I. The phenomenal covery" consists of a proposal t<> dispense with the costly paraphernalia of external examinations and educi/ional inspectorships in connection with our national system of education—hjojm the University to the primary schools! This, if it can be done, will eiffiect an economic revolution in our educational system. The practicability of the "suggestion" can be clearly demonstrated. The authorities at Victoria College, it is said, are abundantly satisfied on that score; and have un good as made it a "policy" proposal /so far as University examinations arc concerned 1 The particulars of the proppsaJ are:— The teachers (in the four ' University colleges in New Zealand) in ,each individual subject are to form a joint-board of examiners to examine (lor degrees) one another's students—an d without aid of an independent assessor'?, As this is to be "imposed" upon than as part of their duties, no payment 'will bo made for tlioir services as examiners I What an immense financial swing lliis will mean for the University 'tand tho State! Now, if this brilliant ;ond epoeh-mak-ing idea is (as it no doubt will bo in duo course) applied to. our educational system generally, the, financial saving to this Dominion will ,1m onormous! I t is the simplest thing'.conceivable. Tho Education Department has but to group tfie teachers (secondary and primary) into joint boards (of ■convenient, size) o( examiners to examine 01110 another's schools I Thus tlna, costly school inspectorate can be dispensed with ill. one economic swocip I If the work of reciprocal inspect! mi is "imposed" on tho teachers as a •'"■ duly," tho new system will cost nol/hing'to tliu country! As for the superseded inspectors, those of them that ii'ro not too old enn bo given a chanco ,f to go to the front," if tho war is on, when l.liis brilliant, and ingenious idea is given effort to! Lot Parliament see .to it,!-I am, e|,r., , OS 15DA, .11"NR. Juno 21, 19V-5-

Out of tli'Q 1 inhabitants of thfl a 160,000,000 speak tlit> Kmr.iitth toaeuftt ?