HEADMASTERS’ EVIDENCE

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29273, 3 August 1960, Page 8

HEADMASTERS’ EVIDENCE

Smaller Classes Wanted

Although the aims and purposes of primary education had remained little changed for many years, alterations in emphasis had created much heavier burdens, the North Canterbury Headmasters’ Association told the Education Commission yesterday afternoon. Greater attention was Sought for the differences among children of the same age, their varying rates of learning, and the fact that some would never absorb quantitatively as much as others. Yet there was no compensating reduction in the size of classes. Social proportion nad increased the range of abilities in every class. The association suggested, first of all, a reduction of class numbers to 35 or better still—3o. There were two other proposals which greatly interested commission members. One was a series of surveys to determine whether five years was the best age to enter school, assess children’s readiness to begin school, and possibly extend kindergarten to serve infants not sufficiently mature. The other was introduction of a four-year teacher-training course —the first year to be spent as a pupil teacher like those of 30 years ago; the next two in college; and the last year as a probationary assistant additional to the school staffing schedule. The Headmasters’ Association also urged strongly some amalgamation between teachers’ college and university education courses and institution of a teachers’ degree. AH this, the association said, would bring a •more mature outlook to teaching and better understanding of class needs.