UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15919, 3 May 1912, Page 6

UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS

If the University Reform Association would concentrate its efforts upon the achievement of some such reform as that advocated by Professor Gabbatt in our columns this morning its claims upon public sympathy would be recognised by many people who have not been able to approve of its methods. It cannot bo denied that the present system of examinations is cumbersome, and even unfair to the students. At the end of their year's labours they are burdened with two examinations, and a system that would halve the burden would be welcomed by many young people. The external examination has been retained, of course, because the prestige of the examiners adds to the value of the degrees, and we are afraid that the abolition of the 6ystem would mean a sacrifice in this respect. The professors and their students must decide for themselves whether it would be worth while to make the sacrifice, but in the event of the decision going against the external examiners the scheme suggested by Professor Gabbatt would suit the requirements of the University. He has excellent authority, of course, for proposing a reduction jof the number of examinations for pass degrees, and this feature of the scheme certainly should bo adopted in any process of reorganisation. The special boards which he advocates would comprise competent examiners, and there could be no danger of the practice of " favouritism " in their dealings with students. Professor Gabbatt's scheme would be improved, perhaps, if the boards were entrusted with the duty of conducting the intermediate as well ns the final examinations, but that is one of the details that await discussion. The demand for examination reform is very insistent, and it certainly ought to be considered. We hope that the Association will see its way to make this subject the first plank in its platform. The rest of the reforms which it has been urging might be allowed to stand over until the examination system has been improved.