FAR TOO RIGID

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1932, Page 6

FAR TOO RIGID

N.Z. EDUCATION SYSTEM. PROFICIENCY A DRAWBACK. The rigidity of the education system in New Zealand, from the primary schools to tlie University, was the cause of adverse comment yesterday by a man interested in education. He was refering at the time to the 'necessity for the introduction of biology in the schools, but digressed to give his views' on this subject.

“In the primary schools the curriculum is too hard and fast,” he said. “Every schoolmaster who takes a wide interest in life, as everyone should, should be allowed to run to bis own curriculum. While the proficiency examination is allowed to continue, no real education can be carried on in the. primary schools of New Zealand. “Beyond a little woodwork the pupils are not taught to use tlieii bands or the powers ol observation. The same thing happened in tlie secondary schools. The scholars concentrate on such subjects as French, which they cannot use, and algclna and chemistry, which to alb but a few of the brightest and most scientific mind, s are absolutely useless. It they were taught biology in its broadest sense it would be worth far more tlml all the abstract tilings taught, which thev are unable to assimilh te. “In the universities' again the same thing applies. The majority take degrees only as a means to tin end. Apparently there is not enough .stimulus in the teaching of the universities to impel the students to continue their studies, which after all should really be only an introduction to future studies'. Is it the fault of the type of student? Is it the fault of/ the New Zealand education system, or is it the fault of the unimAginntivoness and lethargy of the professors ?’