Education Systems.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8198, 26 May 1906, Page 7

Education Systems.

Mr A. R. Barclay, M.H.R , had a few words to say to the School Committees' Association in Dunedin, on the question of over pressure in schools. He said Something has been said of late about the flaws of the examination Bystem and the dangers of cram. It is easy, when some particular injury is pointed out, to go to extremes. It is dangerous to generalise hastily from a few instances. I am not prepared to believe that, speaking generally, throughout the colony the system of education is one of cram. I feel sure that it is not so. As far as cram is concerned, it does not designedly enter into education through the schoolmasters, nor, indeed, does it exist to such an extent as to be very largely detrimental. I know some stress has been laid on two cases. But those who read the papers would have seen an explanation for at least one of these cases. Mr Pryor : What; about hundreds of others who are suffering to day ? Mr Barclay: It is very hard for a teacher to know where he stands unless he has examinations. What is the result of the American system '? Mr Mackenzie, M.H.R.: Earthquakes. (Laughter). Mr Barclay: What is the value of an American education certificate to-day ? What is the value of an American doctor's degree ? Mr Cohen: What about the Moseley Commission ? You are knocked right off your feet by that. j Mr Barclay: The Moseley Commis sion deals only with a branch. Voices: Oh I Nothing of the sort. g Mr Barclay: We know that the certificates are not accorded any great weight, .because they do not impose anything like an adequate test.