RESEARCH SPECIALISTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 July 1945, Page 8

RESEARCH SPECIALISTS

NEW ZEALAND’S LOSSES. AUCKLAND, July 24. “Lord Rutherford might have returned to New Zealand instead of going to Montreal in 1898, but he knew very well that there was .no hope of continuing and developing his research here. New Zealand has lost, opportunities, in recent years, of .attracting and keeping established and distinguished workers from Europe: opportunities from which many other countries arc at present benefiting greatly. The widespread defeatist views which at present dominate appointments and the policy that New Zealand cannot afford to keep a good man must be given up. We.hold that New Zealand cannot afford to lose a good man.” . . 4 + 4. The foregoing is an extract from a statement entitled “Research and The University,” issued by Professors R S. Allan, J. C. Eccles and H. G. Forder and Doctors J. Packer, H. N. Parton and K. R.’Popper. In order to remedy the situation as it exists in New Zealand, a complete change of attitude is required savs the statement. It must be recognised that a specialist might achieve a much greater educational result by teaching his speciality than by spreading his teachings over what is traditionally considered the • balanced content of his subject. The view that it is the task of the University to hand to the students a definite body of examinable knowledge must be discarded. The role played by examinations in the University is at present greatly overvalued. We believe written exams to the type at present in use are insufficient, and an inconclusive test of the attainment of University education. Tne educational task of the University must be taken much more seriously than its role in grading students.