Modern Education Trends

Northern Advocate, 16 December 1938, Page 4

Modern Education Trends

THB statement regarding modern educational methods made by the Rev. Bro. Borgia, Director of the Sacred Heart College, at the prize-giving ceremony in Auckland on Tuesday night, will be widely re-echoed throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand by people who are giving serious consideration to the effect which modern educational methods will ultimately have upon the character and constitution of Ihe school population of today, j “Unfortunately, there is not the same stress laid as of old I upon the necessity for discipline for young people, on the peren- } nial value of such old-fashioned virtues as obedience, reverence, piety, modesty, diligence and perseverance,” said Bro. Borgia. Who will not agree with him? * The ever-present tendency seems to be fo make things easier and easier for our young people. In sentiment, that may be all right, but in effect it is all wrong. “We must aim at building up a sinewed, loyal, disciplined youth, confident and enthusiastic, a youth of lofty ideals, of strong moral fibre, a youth permeated with a passionate desire for the reign of justice and truth, ”

to quote the speaker further. Sir Ernest Davis, Mayor of Auckland, said in one of his addresses regarding the purpose of the Centennial celebrations: “We must ■ endeavour to recapture something of the spirit of the past.” What was the spirit of the past? Tt was the desire to achieve by one’s own efforts, by.the labour of one’s own hands and brains, by educating and training the faculties provided for them by nature. Nothing but consistent application to tasks will produce the results mentioned by tfie Director of Sacred Heart College. Both muscle and brain will atrophy unless they are compelled to serve their host. The passing of an examination was an achievement in the days that have gone, an achievement of which father, mother, brothers and sisters felt proud —the young scholar had accomplished something by his or her own efforts. Now, there is a tendency to discard examinations, with their attendant home studies. What will the young scholars do if they give up their studies at night? What outlet will he found for their activities, their mental and physical alertness? Educational authorities will do well to look into the future, and visualise, if they can, the effect of the present system on the youth of the nation. In our opinion, the solidity of the past is giving place to a variegated veneer.