Ideas in education

Press, 12 January 1987, Page 16

Ideas in education

Sir, — I write in response to the derisive letter by Mr Les Cramond, district senior inspector of primary schools (January 2). I am appalled that he should try publicly to humiliate someone who dared to disagree with his philosophy. With his lack of tolerance, he sets a very poor example to all those he influences.— Yours, etc., ROBIN E. WOODS. January 6, 1987.

Sir, — Congratulations to James Baker, principal of Double Hill School, for his article (December 20). The aim of the primary service should be to train children in the basic skills of education. However, these skills are sadly lacking in many of those who leave at the end of Form 2 for secondary schools. The present primary service is turning out too many mathematical and literary illiterates. All students at the conclusion of their primary education should know their tables, how to handle the four rules of mechanical arithmetic, and how to present written material which is sens-

ible and basically correct. My experiences over many years of teaching show that some teachers lack expertise in being able to teach adequately. It is not their fault. It is the system. It is an indictment of our education system when some Teachers College students need remedial teaching. — Yours, etc.,

B. R. HANSEN. January 8, 1987.

Sir, —I send my children to school to be taught how to read, write, spell and do maths; most parents would agree these are the basics of education. It does not appear to happen very much any more. New Zealand is low on the list for maths in the Western world and illiteracy is terrible. What is happening about this? Is our education system ever going to get a going-over? Old teaching methods are being chucked out as no good. Not all old ways are bad; these methods taught the older population and they can read. The children are the future leaders. Do we want them sloppy, undisciplined, uneducated? Creativity is not wrong, but there is a limit. —Yours, etc:, W. ANDERSON. January 8, 1987.

Sir,—Many moons ago in college we studied “Child Mind.” Dr Mollett (January 8) appears to have discovered America again. He is also a product of the American system, pushed here by Dr Beeby. The idea promulgated was that if a subject be made sufficiently attractive, hard work, grinding repetition and continual endeavour will not be necessary. This deadly philosophy has produced an ignorant and ill-educated generation here and abroad. Teachers and pupils fear examinations because ignorance is exposed by them. Examination standards were lowered but ignorance still defeated them. Unfortunately, either the schools teach certain necessary skills, by which school-leavers earn their living, or older citizens will have to keep them until 18, or 30 — adults with the minds of children.—Yours, etc., V. H. ANDERSON. January 8, 1987.