COURSE FOR TEACHERS

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30481, 1 July 1964, Page 5

COURSE FOR TEACHERS

Guidance Of Children .

"The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND, June 30. Post-primary teachers are now being trained as guidance counsellors, learning to identify and help children with special needs. These include gifted children, slow learners and others with particular study problems. Fifteen teachers are attending the first national course at the Ardmore Teachers* College. When they have completed the six-week course they will return to their own schools as advisers. Many aspects of the work are being taught, including vocational guidance, guidance in courses and study habits, helping the child who is not doing well and preparing a modified curriculum for slow learners.

Lectures are being given by psychologists and staff of Auckland University. The teachers also visit local schools to gain practical experience, using intelligence and attainment tests and interviewing the pupils. The course is under the control of Dr. K. D. Nicholson, an Auckland inspector of schools for special education. It will end on July 10. This week at Lopdell House, Titirangi, 16 teachers who are experienced guidance counsellors are attending a course conducted by Mr S. C. Knight senior inspector of postprimary schools, Christchurch.