PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1921, Page 3

PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

; THE EXAMINATION INCUBUS. . WELLINGTON, Nnv. 30. “Fittil the system of appraising schools and school-teachers by tlie inctboi! of cxnniitiat ion is further inodi-

tied ii is hopeless to expect teachers to break away Iron, traditional methods and show originality,” writes Mr T. It. Strong, chief-inspector of primary schools, in his annual report. ■’Wish greater freedom from the examination incubus will conic to both inspectors and teachers greater opportun-

ities for realisign the highest aims and ideals in teaching. Education will then come into its own. anil cramming will he banished. There will lie time to consider the rights of the child rather Ilian the necessities of the teacher; there will he free,loin lor the pupil to advance at the pace and in the manner best suited to his mental and physical development, and time also for the inspector to inspire the teacher by example as well as li.v precept. I feel sure that, under a liver system ot inspection the official estimate of the efficiency of the teacher will not lose but gain in reliability. Hand in hand with any reform must go increased opportunity for the inspector to study the more recent developments m educational thought and practice. It will not dn for him to he as closely tied as In* is at present to an unceasing round ol visits, and to have little opportunity to replenish his store ol ideas and draw fresh inspiration from the loiiiitains o knowledge. There must he time am

opportunity both for study and discussion, and 1 (tin conceive ol nothing better than the inspectorial stall organising reading and discussion circles with their teachers.”