THE EDUCATION OF THE TEACHER.

Evening Star, Issue 19044, 12 September 1925, Page 6

THE EDUCATION OF THE TEACHER.

Oxe ot the outstanding features of tho Commission cjp tho Now Zealand University, whose report lias just boon presented, is tho wide scope of the matter reviewed. Thus one section of tho report deals with tho training and education of those who are to enter tho teaching profession, and a number of interesting recommendations are made. In the summarised form in which the report is to hand some of tho suggestions aro rather, obscure. But tho Commission seems to put ite finger on tho weak spots of tho present system—the difficulty of giving teacher students both university education and professional training, and the lack of dose co-operation between the University and tho Training College. At present comparatively few teachers aro able to concentrate on their university education for a period, leaving their training till later. The majority either do not attempt a full degree course or do it while pursuing their profession, often hindering both. The ideal, however—and Scotland is actually lacing this as practical politics—is that every teacher should hold a university degree or have a university education, though perhaps on broader lines than at present. The Commission does not go as far as this, but recommends that a classification should bo made of all entrants to the teaching profession. Some would then be given one year’s professional training only, others being allowed longer courses, while certain approved students should bo assisted to undertake a full university course and then a period of professional training. Tho principle introduced is that each applicant for the teaching profession should bo treated according to his ability, aptitude, and sphere of work. A criticism might well be made that a teacher worth only a year’s professional training is hardly fit to bo a teacher, but possibly this refers to kindergarten or other specialised work. But tho main suggestion will merit the earnest consideration of tho authorities.

A recommendation that one and tho same person should be professor of education at tho University and principal of the draining College is doubtless in accord with tho desire for full cooperation between tho two institutions. One cannot help feeling, however, that a big man would bo needed for this, a real “captain of industry,” if the duties were to remain as at present. I 1 m thor details, though, in tho body of tho report may show how this is to be done, possibly by a sebemo of adequate assistance. Aa tho Education Department has only recently appointed four professors of ecfucation apart from the Training College priucipalships, the idea is not likely to bo lollowed out. More correlation, bowover, between the two offices might well be arranged—as the central aim of both is tho same—to.,, turn out efficient teachers. The recommendation that one Training College for secondary school teachers should be set up is on lines that havo previously been urged in these columns, and is on the principle adopted throughout tho report of tho limiting of tho numbers of tho special schools. It is on the whole a matter for congratulation that tho Commission has been able to extend its inquiry to this phase of education, and it is to bo Imped much good will result and a clearing out of somo of the present difficulties.