TEACHING TO-DAY

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 31, 6 February 1937, Page 12

TEACHING TO-DAY

POSITION OVERSEAS. COMPARISON WITH DOMINION. DEVELOPING NEW! IDEAS.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

DUXEDIX', this day. Teaching methods in London are very much more liberal than the Xew Zealand system permits, teachers arc allowed more freedom to map out programmes, but discipline has been relaxed, and it is questionable whether the change from the old to the new in teaching has not swung too far. These opinions were expressed by Mr. W. I'riilgman, who lias returned from London, where he proceeded some 18 months agr, on a Carnegie Educational Fellowship. The British Educational system was in some respects superior to that in Xcw Zealand, said Mr. Bridgman, but in other ways Xew Zealand had decided advantages. There was a noticeable absence of playing fields in the London schools, while" the majority of the buildings were very dismal. The English schools were, however, trying to bring education into line with the needs of present civlisation, and arts and! crafts and manual work had been introduced into all classes of schools in varying decrees. There were also in England a large number of schools outside the State "system, which were doing their best to develop new ideas in education. The,schools on the Continent, as compared with the English schools, were still much more "bookish" and classical, while in some countries a great amount of propaganda had its place in education. It was not uncommon to find schools teaching four or five languages. I

Germany seemed to be the most dangerous nation in Europe, and her attitude over various questions, such as Jews aiul colonies, made her intolerant and dogmatic. Tourists were welcomed, and the people treated the visitors kindly. At the time or Mr. Bridgman's visit, however, there was a shortage of butter, while the meat was not particularly good. While in the country one always seemed to be aware of a" definite tension, and it was quite obvious that certain matters connected with the. Herr Hitler regime could not bo discussed among the people. There had been - unmistakable evidence of Germany's attitude towards her French neighbour, the ordinary German working man hating France. " A great deal of collecting for various organisations was apparent, but Mr. Bridgman was certain that the subscriptions . were not given voluntarily, but rather out of fear that something might happen if they were not forthcoming. Even though the German people might not like Hitler or his policy, they admire him because he gives them "a place ill the sun," said 3lr. Bridgman.