"ADMIRABLE TONE."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 287, 4 December 1929, Page 8

"ADMIRABLE TONE."

TRAINING COLLEGE. INSPECTORS' REPORT. SYSTEM OF LECTURES APPROVED. "We had the opportunity of seeing students at work in the college and came to the conclusion that they are proud of the institution, very interested in their work and keen to make the best use of their time. An admirable tone is evident in the college and in the outdoor activities." This observation was made to the Auckland Education Board this morning by Mr. William W. Bird, chief inspector of schools, and Mr. N. T. Lambourne, senior inspector, in a joint report on conditions obtaining at the Auckland Training College. The conviction was further expressed by the inspectors that the staff was carrying out its duties in an earnest and efficient manner and giving the students the training that would enable them to enter the teaching service with high ideals and much practical knowledge of what they would be called upon to do in the schools. In the lecture rooms the topics were well presented by the lecturers, and note taking was intelligently used. During the lectures the students were encouraged to ask questions and to state their experiences or opinions, and all this they did freely and well. It was evident that a fine spirit of harmony and co-operation existed between the students and the lecturers.

Sound Urganisation

The work of the college was soundly organised, and the associated teachers were rendering very valuable assistance to the college in the training of students.

The practical training of the students within the college was also on sound lines. Every lecture given on methods of teaching was followed by a demonstration, ,in which the principal, viceprincipal or other member of the staff, put into practice what had been recommended to the students. At the conclusion of the demonstration, the trainees discussed and criticised the lesson, the principal replied ,to them, and had the opportunity of dealing with points that had not occurred to him during his lecture. "We are of opinion that this procedure must prove of great value to the students, and must enable them to carry on their work in the schools with confidence and success," added the inspectors. "Messy Materials." "The preparation for the teaching of handwork was investigated, and we are not altogether satisfied with what is being done, and think the students need to be taught that handwork of any kind is more than an occupation. We were interested to learn that many of the students had not used handwork material, especially plasticine, to any appreciable extent since they were pupil's* in Standard 11., and also that most of the women dislike plasticine because of its "messy" nature. Unless the collet achieves more in interesting its students m the various branches of handwork and in equipping them to teach these effectively it is not likely that the interest taken and the work done in the schools will soon slioav improvement on the present rather unsatisfactory state of the instruction in the subject."