VALUE OF EXAMINATIONS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1038, 31 July 1930, Page 16

VALUE OF EXAMINATIONS

“CONTAIN MANY WEAK

POINTS” SYSTEM MOSTLY FAVOURED Are examinations as carried out at present a relic of the Middle Ages? They are, according to Mr. S. Walker, at a meeting of the Auckland Education Association, held in the University College last evening. “Examinations. * he said, “have a great many weak points and, generally speaking, arc futile. At present they are quite inadequate in testing the ability of children or young men. They are not so much a test of intelligence as a test of endurance. Many teachers who have given careful thought to the question have come to the conclusion that ftie present system of examinations in the primary schools should be done away with.” Mr. Walker’s view did not represent that of the meeting as a whole. Though some of the speakers condemned examinations, the majority favoured their retention, not necessarily in their present form. The system, it was held, could not be abolished without undermining those foundations of knowledge which it was the purpose of education to impart. SOUND FOUNDATION NECESSARY “Because some people are unfit for games we do not ban games," said Miss Edgerley. “I am sure no burden of examinations rests on either the primary or secondary schools. You cannot get anywhere unless a sound foundation be laid. There is distinct danger in encouraging children to think that if a thing is difficult it can just be dropped." A system of leaving certificates has been formulated by the Registered Secondary Schools Association. The details, which have already been published in The Sun, were explained by tho Rev. H. K. Archdall, of King’s College. The scheme, he urged should be very carefully considered by all educational authorities. It would get rid of the idea that university requirements exercised too much influence on the schools. At the same time it would maintain the university standard. “Although the matriculation system has been much criticised. I do not think there is any serious objection to it." said Professor W. Anderson, who advocated the use of external examinations. “The universities should not be dictated to, in regard to their requirements for degrees, by the exigencies of the teachers’ grading scheme. There is a tendency for an objectionable use to be made thus of the fact that the Education Department allows certain grading marks to be obtained by the passing of an examination. The university will be breaking faith with the public if it give way to any such tendency." It would be perfectly safe to abandon examinations for 60 per cent, of the pupils, according to Mr. A. Beasley. For the remaining 40 per cent, they were essential. “Employers,” he said, “expect to have a definite mark on the ability of those they are called upon to employ. Examinations provide the means of fixing that mark. Until some better method is found the abolition of examinations will be unwise." Speaking of Mr. Archdall’s suggestion. Miss O. Foster said it sounded too much like tightening up the bolts and screws of an old machine. The examination system today regarded every child as measuring up to one standard. This was utterly wrong and resulted merely in sharpened intellects, released from ethical responsibility. It was a danger to society. “I notice a tendency among boys today to shirk hard work." said Mr. K. J. Dellow. “There is a marked depreciation In the foundations of knowledge with which boys are going to the ; Grammar School. Accrediting already j plays so large a part in the schools , that scarcely any pupils of average ability aro called upon to face an external examination until they reach matriculation. By that time, at least a boy should be ready to show wha* he is made of. and how he is likely to be fitted to face the knocks of afterlife.” , Mr. Garry and Miss Crookes both supported examinations, Mr. Garry thinking reforms might be beneficial. Mr. W. Airey supported an amendment of the scheme, possibly on lines siml ; lar to those suggested by Mr. Arch- j dall. It was recommended that the ex ecu- : tivo arrange a further meeting after j the term holidays to discuss the Kdu- : cation Committee’s recent report tc Parliament.