TRAINING OF TEACHERS

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25878, 10 August 1949, Page 9

TRAINING OF TEACHERS

UNIVERSITY STANDARD SUGGESTED EVIDENCE TO CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE A suggestion that, because of the nature and importance of education, the education and training of teachers should be the work of an institution of university rank,, was made by the Canterbury University College Professorial Board in evidence to the Consultative Committee on Teacher Training; which, began sittings m Christchurch yesterday. “In the meantime the board considers that machinery of co-operation should be developed, by which the university colleges may make a more substantial contribution than they do at present,” said the. board, which was represented by the rector (Dr. H. R. Hulme) and Dr. G. Jobberns. From time to time university teachers had been lecturers at the Training College and members of the staff of the Training College had served as part-time lecturers.at the university. We favour the development of these and similar practices. With proper safeguards as to standards and the economical use of resources of time and energy, the board is not opposed in principle to university courses and tutorials being conducted at the Training College by teachers recognised by the umverSl The board did not suggest either the practicability or desirability of having all intending teachers attempt a decree course. The majority of canaidates entering the teaching profession, however, would benefit from some contact with the teaching and social life of a university college. The board added that it considered the -difficulties of studying at university and Training College at the same time were often too great under present conditions. For students doing university and training college work simultaneously, the board suggested some lightening of the load at training college and a widening of opportunities for choice of subjects to be taken on a part-time ba The board did not recommend the award of bursaries for special professions, but suggested that while the system of special bursaries continued, the number available for intending teachers should be substantia ly increased to enable some at least to do some full-time university work.