TEACHING THE TEACHERS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 93, 16 May 1913, Page 2

TEACHING THE TEACHERS.

By Observation Schools.

Reporting on the matter of observation schools at the meeting of the Aucklard Education Beard on Wednesday, the Chief Inspector (Mr J. K. Mulgan) sUted that it was still to be hoped that the Deparlment would assist the Board in its efforts to train its inexperienced teacheis by making possible the establishment ol "observation Echcols" under such conditions aa had alrendy been mentioned. Several months, however, had row elapsed Ein.e the matter waa tint brought under the notice of tha Department. Although the proposal, the Irspecior understood, found favour with the authorities, r.o action, si far as he could learn, had yet been taken. "I would recommend," proceeded Mr Mulgan, "that tha Department be again app'oaehed and be urged to take action as early as possible, In this connection I may add that the question of the establishment of 'observation schools' was brought forward at the recent Wellington conference amongst the remits from tha Auckland inspectors, whin the following resolution was unanimously approved'lt is desirablu that iu districts vvf.eru necessary, certain of the schools in grade 111. should become observation schools fur the purpore of providing opportunity for practice in teaching for inexperienced teachers, who w;uld ba required to attend for a few weeks at a time so as to get an insight into th 3 wo king of an efiitiiently-con-ducted school, In such sclools a suitable addition to tha teacher's salary should be made.' "As it miy be eoma time," the Chief Inspector went on, "before tha terir.s of the resolution find expression in the regulations controlling staixs and salaries, the inspectors, at my request, have prepared lists of schools in the various sub-divisions of this district most suitabla for ths purpose of 'observation schools,' due regaid being paid to efficieocy, locality and accessibility, and these I would recommend that the more premising inexperienced teachers from lime to time be allowed to atteni.

"If thi3 recommendation be approved the inspectors "'ill ha "iM instructed to confer, during their $ visits, with those teachers who give fj promne of improvement, ascertain S it they are willing to attend at their own expense suitable schcols, and % rotify the Chiet Inspector of the result. The teachers themselves will then make application to the Board M for the necessary permission and "$ name the school to which they wish to be attached. It will, of course, be necessary in each casa to close the school in question for a few :< 1 week?, but this action, 1 am strongly 4a of opinicn. would be Eound policy, in vie# of the increased efficiency certain to follow from the observe ,\sj t : on of good mcdels and from the >1 experience ar.d knowledge gaired • # during the period of attendance «ty'J| the schooH concerned." * grc It was resolved to adopt the Chief Inspector's recommendations.