AMERICAN SCHOOLS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22774, 7 July 1937, Page 18

AMERICAN SCHOOLS

A NEW "VIEWPOINT

FREE COMPLETE COURSES ADULT EDUCATION STRESSED Educational authorities in tlio United States are placing an emphasis upon adult education, especially upon tho teaching of social, industrial and economic subjects, rather than cultural and literary, according to Professor F. W. Hart, professor of school administration at tho University of California,* who arrived by the Maunganui yesterday to attend the Now Education Fellowship conference. "Education in America is free, from the kindergarten to tho time when tho degree is presented," he said. One of the most outstanding developments in recent years had been tho introduction of junior colleges, a movement which started on tho Pacific Coast, and was rapidly extending eastward. The object of these colleges was to extend education by two years, and to bring courses to tho homes of students. Within ten years over .'SO colleges had been established in California. They offered two types of course,s — firstly, those which covered a course of regular college work, so that those who completed it could continue, at a university, and, secondly, terminal courses designed for those not interested in college or university education, but interested in semi-professions or vocational or industrial courses.

"Everything from raising rabbits, bees and chickens, to pharmacy, cosmetology, and the rest, aro taught in the second group," said Professor Hart. "Fifteen years ago, wo thought that graduation from a high school was all that was necessary, but now, with tlio unemployment situation as it' is, wo feel that our young people should remain at school at tho public expense, rather than be thrown on to the street, and become shiftless."

A change had come over tho education field in the United States, he said. Instead of a hard and fast curriculum, predetermined by adults, the present plan was based upon subjects in which students wero interested, on the principle that one learned only when ono was interested. Superintendents in practically all the 48 States had decided to alter their curricula accordingly.

. "We aro not bound by the examination system," said Professor Hart. "Wo, are reaching tho point where we shall promote students from grade to grade, on ability to do the work in the succeeding course, rather than i on the result of an examination set for the past course."