“CRAMMING”

Grey River Argus, 13 May 1935, Page 3

“CRAMMING”

Versus Learning

ADVICE TO STUDENTS.'** '’

It is said by cynical critics that the passing of examinations may be rather evidence of successful “cramming” than of intelligent learning. This matter was mentioned very impressively in a recent address by Mr. R. N. Carter, vice-president of the English Institute of Chartered Accountants. “We all know,” he said, “that the examinations are not the ‘be all’ and ‘end all’ even in the life of an accountancy student, but we must recognise that they must bulk largely, and nobody can blame a student for attaching the highest importance to his examination work, provided he does that work intelligently and with the idea of acquiring knowledge as well as passing his examination.

“Training yourself to be a -qualified Chartered Accountant is a whole time job and (like matrimony) ‘not to be entered upon lightly or wantonly, but discreetly and advisedly/ “Do not be satisfied with knowing that the case of A. v. B. decided that certain results follow whilst C. v. D. decided (under apparently similar circumstances) that other results followed. Refer to the large textbooks and even borrow law reports if necessary so that you may understand whether it was a principle or facts which operated to create the difference. Moreover, where possible look up the matter for yourself. It is good to get help, but you will remember the point much better if you go to some personal trouble in ascertaining the position. Do not allow yourselves to be too spoon-fed. “It was only the other day that I read this passage in the life of a prominent legal luminary:— “I passed my examination in Roman Law by absorbing one small textbook for six months beforehand (and had only evenings available for that purpose). Having thus been permitted to handle the subject so that I should remember nothing about it, I have lived to learn by professional experience the serious drawbacks of not having mastered the subject. ’ ’ “In reading an examination paper do not spend yoar time ‘-'okiug for traps. It will be waste! effort. They are like Mrs. Gamp's friend, Mrs. Harris—‘There ain’t no such person.’ Examinees may take it that the Examination Committee rigorously exclude any question containing a trap. But discrimniate, please, between a trap and question which requires thought and cannot be answered off hand by one who has simply ‘crammed’ up a lot of undigested information.'’