TRUE EDUCATION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 157, 22 March 1918, Page 7

TRUE EDUCATION

A correspondent, who is making a study of education systems sends tho following excerpts from ; works dealing "tvith the subject:— . The word education means drawing out from a child the faculties and abilities which lie concealed within him. In 'our day that meaning seems to have been forgotten. The modern teacher Beeks not to draw out, but to pour in, to load the mind of the child with a ■mass of facts which may prove to bo of no use whatever to him in aftor life.

Education is given not only in the school, but iii the home; not only by precept, but by- example, by our attitude.. Parental rights may bo translated parental duties. A child is eJitrustod to tho care of itq "parents; it is aliko their duty and their privilege to be faithful to that trust, to do their very best to make that child • what, he should'be; How is this to "be' done? By constant attention, by unfailing kindness, by sympathy, and by a patience that nothing can weary. The organisation of a child is one of tho most marvellously delicate things in Nature, and a moment's thoughtlessness, a touch of harshness, may create a breach in confidential relations that may take years to heal, for if a brutal parent er teacher knew anything of the real facts of life he would be aware that tho effect of Iris brutality is in every case far worse than that of the fault which he imagines he corrects.

Gentle but vigilant protection ensures trustfulness.

Our first duty to the child is to keep him well and happy, for without happiness no true progress is possible for him.. Children are naturally happy when kindly treated.

It is essential that, though the .child's moods may vary, those of the parents or teachers should not, for a child is quick.to notice, and to resent injustice, and if he finds himself chidden at one time for an action which oa another occasion is only laughed at the foundations of his universe t\re unsettled.

The young mind may bo likened to a mirror, reflecting quickly and faithfully the thoughts and feelings of those around it. Depression and anger are infectious, as. everyone knows, and we have no right to pass on mental or physical diseases. Children are sensitive to outer influences; love being a wonderful quickener of all that is noble and good. : . '

Tbe great keynote of education and right attitude towards children is love. If the parent or teacher embody love in himself ho may so fully realise it in his own life as to flootT with it the life of his child—his pupil— so helping to draw out tho best that is in the child.: