BASIC ENGLISH INSTRUCTION

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26491, 4 August 1951, Page 3

BASIC ENGLISH INSTRUCTION

ALIEN IMMIGRANTS’ NEEDS

USE OF SOCIAL GROUPS ADVOCATED

English instruction for foreign immigrants to New Zealand by a different method from that proposed by the Education Department is advocated by the National Council of Adult Education. Last week the Director of Education (Mr C. E. Beeby), in a letter ‘o the Wellington Technical College Board, announced that English and civic affairs were likely to be taught in schools under the manual and technical regulations. Mr P. Martin Smith, secretary of the National Council of Adult Education, in a report discussed by the Canterbury Regional Council of Adult Education this week, suggests that the scheme might come under adult education tutors, with the learning of English closely associated with the day-to-day activities of the new settlers. This report, prepared in March, admits that it is difficult to make suggestions about integrating new settlers in the community without knowing the intentions of the Government, but says it could be assumed that it would require the co-operation of naturalisation, social, and recreational officers of the Department of Internal Affairs, placement officers of the Department of Labour and Emoloyrqent, and officers of the Education Department. Preliminary Study Urged

Mr Smith suggests that study of English should begin immediately new settlers know thev are coming to New Zealand, and that New Zealanders should be placed on their ships to teach English and something about the Dominion. This could reduce considerably the period spent in the reception centre at Pahiatua, where many newcomers chafed at the delay in starting their normal life in New Zealand, he says. Adult education staff might visit Pahiatua by roster to meet _ new settlers, learn their needs and interests, and study “the very well-organ-ised classes in English tuition,” and all possible information should be sent to adult education tutors in the area where the immigrant would settle. “After the new settler has been posted to a job it should be the responsibility of the local adult education tutorerganiser to see that adequate facilities for learning English are provided, and that the new settler is integrated into the community.” . . „ Mr Smith says that tuition m English should then be provided “according to the needs and desires of the new settler.” He explains: “Little can be gained by any effort to coerce the new settler into learning English, especially if the teaching is conducted in an academic way. Much more importance should be placed on the successful integration of the new settler into a group where he can pursue his interests along with New Zealanders. If he is really’ happy in this group and the other members can take an interest in him. he will soon master the language.”

Use of Schools The suggestion is made that schools may not afford the comfortable friendly atmosphere with opportunity for social activity which Mr Smith thinks essential: but he believes that some local teachers should be readily available to help and give general direc--11 The report emphasises the desirability of the new settler joining recreational. social, and other groups of his own interests. “In many cases acceptance of the new settler into such a group may make the learning of English comparatively easy, Mr Smith says "For many it may be a better approach than bringing pressureson the new settler to attend formal Englisti Cl Adult education tutors .could do much to organise such associations, he Tays. “It may well be that >f the new settler can be happily placed in an existing group where he can pursue his interests m a sympathetic atmosphere. the need tor formal English teaching may be dispensed with, especially if he has been given a good grounding on the boat and at If members of the group take an interest. they may be able to give much help with the mastery of English. In any case, successful integration mto a group may well provide stimulus to mastering English that has a PP are been lacking m some of the new settlers in Australia. ’ ..... Wider publicity to the rPsP°.psibllities of New Zealanders in he'Dtng immigrants and to |h e ’ :o^” Imtion 1 mtion the newcomers can make to the Dominio is also advocated.