CRITICISM VOICED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 85, 20 January 1938, Page 9

CRITICISM VOICED.

TEACHERS ON EXCHANGE,

QUESTION OF DISCIPLINE. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, January 19. , That classes under the control of two exchange teachers from London were lacking in discipline and developed into “more or less of a rabble were the charges in a letter received from the headmaster of the school concerned, at to-day’s meeting of the Education Board. “A few days after these teachers, male and female, took over, the discipline and order disappeared, in spite of efforts by the infant mistress and myself to encourage the teachers to take a grip on their classes. “Judged by New Zealand standaids the two teachers would have been classed as very inefficient. Both classes went back in their work, so much so that I received complaints from parents.

“A New Zealand relieving teacher, who took over one of the classes, had it in the hollow of her hand in a few minutes.

“Both of the exchange teachers seemed to think teaching w T as only a small part of their job, but that observations in other schools was the main feature. They made little effort, if any, to fit in with the work of the school. 1

“If this is the type of teacher being sent out in 1938, I would suggest, if possible, that these teachers be attached to schools for a short peiiod only, and then not be given complete charge of a class. The acting-chairman, the Hon. A. Burns, said the hoard should not condemn all exchange teachers because of two who might have been •'misfits. It was decided to send a copy of the letter to the Education Department.