U.S. Students Critical Of Teaching Methods

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30219, 26 August 1963, Page 15

U.S. Students Critical Of Teaching Methods

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Aug. 23. Twenty-six United States teen-agers who stayed with New Zealand families for eight months while studying at secondary schools throughout the country were bidden farewell today by the Minister of Education (Mr Tennent) at Parliament Buildings. They leave on Sunday by air for the United States. All were enthralled by New Zealand’s scenic attractions, and were keen to return in the future. The system of education, however, did not find such general favour. The students, aged between 16 and 19, were quick to point out many differences between New Zealand and American schools. The teachers impressed them, but many had found difficulty in adjusting to syllabuses. One girl commented that New Zealand children were expected to

“do a little bit of everything each year,” whereas she was accustomed to covering various subjects in separate years. Some of the visitors thought New Zealand teachers tended to “spoon-feed” their pupils—most simply dictated notes while the children remained passive. American teachers generally had a “more mature” approach, adopting university methods for , the most part. New Zealand children were not treated like adults to the same extent as their American counterparts, they said. Mr Tennent presented the students with books.

Gas Explodes. An explosion believed to have been caused by leaking gas injured nine persons and damaged a Naples building before dawn today.—(Naples, August 23.)