OTHER PAPERS’ OPINIONS.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 270, 10 January 1929, Page 4

OTHER PAPERS’ OPINIONS.

TESTING ABILITY. At this time of the year much is heard of examinations. Generally the references rae unfavourable to the system. Headmasters say that too much attention is paid to these tests —that the necessity of working for certain examinations hinders the school from giving to the pupils the kind of education which is most suitable. Examples are quoted also of men who. have failed in examinations but have afterwards proved their capacity in other ways. This is all valuable evidence against attaching undue importance to the examination, it may even warrant abolition of the external examination in certain approved circumstances. But the weakness of the drive against examinations lies in the fact that no substitute has been suggested which can be applied generally with safety. The accrediting system is good, because it takes account of the work done throughout the year, but if it is applied to hundreds of schools, colleges and university classes how is the standard to be maintained? One accrediting authority may demand much and another little. The external examination at least sets some standard. Generally we agree with those who give warnings against the examination fetish; but we cannot overlook the undoubted fact that, behind the men who protest on sound grounds, there is a great army who wish the system changed so that they may have something, not necessarily fairer, but at least easier. Admittedly some may fail because of their temperamental or slowness of development; but the majority who fail do so simply because they do not know enough.—Evening Post.