TEACHERS MEET

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32407, 15 March 1944, Page 5

TEACHERS MEET

ADDRESSES BY INSPECTORS VALUE OF .SELF-EXPRESSION A large gathering of teachers of the Paeroa and surrounding schools was addressed by Mr S. M. Mills and Mr L. R. Lewis, inspectors -of schools, at a meeting held under the auspices of the Paeroa Sub-branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute, last Tuesday evening. The visitors were welcomed by the president, 'Mr A. E. Day, who presided. Both speakers stressed, as the keynote of their remarks, the need for developing self-expression in children. The greatest and- most beneficial change which had taken place in education in the last few years was that repression had been replaced by expression. Self-expression was founded on a sound psychological basis, particularly as it often sublimated repressive complexes. The principal media through which self-expression could be developed in the schools were language, drama and the arts and crafts. Methods by which these subjects might be utilised to encourage children to express their own thoughts and feelings were discussed in detail and samples of art •work achieved on these lines were displayed. The speakers also dealt with the part that teachers could -play in moulding educational reforms, and they stressed the fact that educational reconstruction meant change and progress, not a reversion to prewar standards. The inspectors answered many questions on the issues raised and much interesting and helpful discussion ensued. A vote of thanks to Messrs Mills and Lewis for their inspiring addresses and practical assistance was proposed by Mr C. W. Malcolm and carried by acclamation.