TRAINING OF TEACHERS

Evening Star, Issue 21751, 20 June 1934, Page 12

TRAINING OF TEACHERS

For the first time in fifty-seven years Otago and Southland students were compelled to paps by their own University centre in order to complete their training as teachers (states the annual report of the Otago Education Board). The board is glad to know that training is to be discontinued altogether in 1934. Tho way is now open to reconstruct the system of training when it is resumed in 1935. The gradual development of four self-contained training colleges independent of the universities was never intended when Parliament approved of teacher training in each University centre in 1903. The recommendation of the Education Committee of the House of that year is worth recalling in that the principle enunciated —that of full utilisation of the resources of the university colleges —is as applicable to-day as it was then and as it has been during all the years of its neglect —“ That, in order, to avoid the expense of duplicating instruction in subjects which are taught at the university colleges and to secure for teachers a greater breadth of view, the training of teachers in literary and scientific work should as far as possible be provided by the university colleges.” Added significance now attaches to this recommendation by reason of the fact that the Education Committee of the House of last session, after hearing evidence, gave expression to similar views, which were endorsed by the House for the favourable consideration of the Government. The board trusts that the question will be approached with an open mind. There must of necessity be compromise, but with cooperation on the part of the Education Department, the four university colleges and the four major education boards, a scheme should be evolved combining efficiency with economy—one, too, which will raise the status of teachers by making their training an integral part of the functions of the University.