BETTER TEACHERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 66, 19 March 1925, Page 8

BETTER TEACHERS.

BENEFIT OF SUMMER SCHOOLS SPLENDID AUCKLAND SCHEME. FAVOURED BY MINISTER. Great pleasure wns expressed by Sir James Parr. Minister of Education, today when a deputation from the Auckland branch of the Educational Institute propounded a scheme whereby a specialised summer school could be held at Cambridge next year. The deputation was introduced by Mr. W. H. Newton, secretary of the branch. Mr. D. M. Kne, vice-principal of the Training College, said that the teachers who bad had the advantage of the cultural advantages of the summer courses felt that if they had the backing of the Minister they would be able to establish a school at Cambridge. The idea was to select specialists to give lectures. The committee had in its mind such men as Dr. P. H. Buck, who could deal with anthropology and interest the teachers in their own land; Dr. P. Marshall, the geologist, who would be able to deal with geology and geography in the field; Mr. F. Milner of Waitaki Boys' High School, who specialised in history; Dr. E. Marsden, of the Department, who could give a course in astronomy; Dr. Galway who was considered one of the leaders of musical instruction, not only on the technique side but also on the inspirational side; Professor Shelly, who had a proper appreciation of literature. These names were merely suggestions, but would indicate that the courses were beyond the ordinary curriculum. The subjects were such as would attract teachers who were truly interested in the purpose of education." Replying to the Minister, Mr. Rae said the proposal was to hold the school during the last week of January and the first week of February, it was anticipated that 400 primary school teachers would attend, as well as a large proportion of secondary school teachers. The public of Cambridge would also be invited to the lectures. The definite assistance required from the Department was a sum of about £150 to cover the travelling expenses of the specialists and some assistance in regard to camp equipment. Mr. F. Garry, president of the N.Z. Educational Institute, and headmaster of Mount Roskill School, pointed out that the lecturers would not ask for any fee. Sir James Parrrsaid he was cordially in sympathy with the proposal. He was glad the refresher classes had been appreciated. In the past there had not been sufficient appreciation of the importance of gathering all the teachers together. The instruction that the teachers received was ultimately for the benefit of all the pupils. If all the teachers in the Dominion could be gathered together once a year for refresher courses he believed it would do more than anything else for the improvement of education. It was the best corrective for slackness and frtr taking the teachers out of the rut into which they were apt to slip after they qualified and obtained appointments. In no other profession was it more important to keep up with the times. He was delighted that the deputation proposed to get specialists. He desired to encourage all teachers to specialise in one particular subject, so that in each school one teacher would take all the classes in a given subject. The Minister added that he was doubtful about keeping the-schools closed an extra week (first week in February), but there was no doubt that the pupils would eventually benefit ten times more than if the schools were opened and the refresher courses were not held. He thought there might be some compromise , in the matter—perhaps ten days of the teachers' time and four days of the Department's time. As to the financial assistance, he would be pleased to bring the matter before Cabinet.