Extra-Mural Study For Teachers

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28223, 11 March 1957, Page 12

Extra-Mural Study For Teachers

A proposal that teachers in non-university centres who wish to complete a degree should exchange positions with teachers in university centres, is made in a leading article in the New Zealand Post-Primary Teachers’ Association “Journal.” The article says that it is almost axiomatic that a highly educated teacher body is advantageous to society. “The fact that grading marks are given for qualifications and that extra money—little though it is —is paid for qualifications, is an admission of this fact in New Zealand. Yet circumstances are such that difficulties exist to hinder teachers from gaining qualifications they' may desire,” the article says. “On the one hand there is the tendency in university circles to restrict the facilities available for extra-mural studies, and to compel students to attend university colleges while taking their degrees. This is based on awareness of the value of actual attendance at university, a matter on which we are in agreement. “On the other hand there is the very laudable desire of teachers, both post-primary and to improve their academic qualifications so that they become more effective in their jobs,” the article says.

“Many of these teachers would find’ it impossible or at least very inconvenient to move from their present positions and obtain others in a university centre where they could complete a degree started, perhaps, when they were students at teachers’ college. Thus there arises in these teachers a sense

of frustration and the nation as a whole is the loser in having lower qualified teachers,” says the article.

The association’s executive will discuss the question of extra-mural studies at a meeting later this month, and teachers who have encountered difficulties or who have strong views on the subject have been asked to make these known to the. executive before the meeting.