Secondary Teachers To Have New Courses

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31188, 12 October 1966, Page 20

Secondary Teachers To Have New Courses

After a year’s trial, a new course structure has been adopted by the post-primary division of the Christchurch Teachers’ College. Students will undertake a “major course” incorporating use of audio-visual aids, a course in education, and five minor or subsidiary course subjects. In addition, 12 to 13 weeks’ observation and teaching practice in three different schools will be required. The' major course subjects will include English, languages, history and social studies,. geography and social studies, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, physical education, and music. The education course will consist of three sections: the historical, factual and testing aspects; child development and the -processes of teaching and learning; and preparation for practical teaching on school section.

The minor or subsidiary subjects will be in three groups:—

(1) All the major course subjects will be offered again as minor courses together with the following additional subjects of the secondary school curriculum: commercial practice, technical drawing, typing and office practice, English language and literature, oral-aural French, social studies, general science biology, chemistry and physics, mathematics for Forms I to IV, modern approaches to mathematics, P.S.S.C. physics. (2) Subjects closely related to the school curriculum: organised games, choral work, African, Asian and South American studies, drama, liberal studies.

(3) Religious studies, the arts, education communication in the classroom, educational tests and measurements.

“This course organisation is not claimed to be the last word, but at least it would

appear to give reasonable satisfaction to student teachers, and it has aroused the interest and approval of groups of secondary teachers throughout the South Island. It could certainly form a basis for negotiations with the university leading towards greater involvement in the professional training of secondary teachers,” said the associate principal (Mr E. P. Blampied).