THE TEACHING OF HISTORY.

Evening Star, Issue 18668, 24 June 1924, Page 9

THE TEACHING OF HISTORY.

TO THK EDWOII. 'dir, —The attention you have drawn to the subject of the teaching of history is indeed tiim-ly, Tho war itself focused attention on history for its own sake, and post-war years have given time for serious rciioction on tho possibilities of history us a citizen-producing subject. Repealed utterances by political leaders in Great Britain, as well as in Now Zealand, have stressed the need for a revised conception of history teaching. It is incontestable that tho attitude adopted by tho history teacher is potent alike for good or ill, and tho necessity for wise and wholesome presentation of historical fact becomes a tremendous responsibility. When it is considered that the main aim of history teaching is as an inspiration to conduct the moral and) civic value of the subject becomes apparent. Equally apparent becomes the nosd of expert guidance to those entrusted with historical instruction. That this is being recognised is proved by the fact that within the last two years various committees of educational bodies have been set up to consider mid report upon the teaching of history. A history committee set up by the president of tho British Board of Education in Great Britain has recently submitted a most valuable report. Tho New Zealand Educational Institute adopted last month a history report presented by a special recess committee appointed for investigation of the subject. The Council of education only last week discussed the question of history teaching in our schools, and tho Minister of Education suggested the appointment of a special committee to consider the whole matter. It would seem indeed that a pj-oa for co-ordination of effort is a most pertinent one. If any further committee is to bo established it would soern advisable not only that ;t should bo representative of both primary and secondary schools, but (hat it should have every opportunity to investigate and to submit a comprehensive roj>ort. Furthermore —and this is vital —there should bo some guarantee that the report when adopted should be immediately incorporated by the department in the syllabus of instruction for our schools.—l am, etc,, FiilßS Puiwmaw. 1 'Jnoe.2s.