EXAMINATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20098, 8 November 1928, Page 14

EXAMINATIONS.

Sir,—Mr. Strachan, in his letter in reference to examinations and the unfortunate mixing of the recent history

papers, is rather unconvincing. Dors he fondly imagine that any degree paper could be answered as a result, of three days' " cramming?',' If so he either flatters the mentality of the average student or casts aspersions upon a man selected for his attainments to act in tho capacity of examiner, llow many professors. the most accomplished men available in their particular line of study, deliver their lectures without the assistance of notes? What schoolmaster, however seasoned, does not enter his class room with more confidence if he knows that, overnight lie lias revised, as he should, his work for tho coining day? If this is so why condemn the poor student who desires to polish up his drtails after extensive reading in tho hopes of coping with a paper which frequently has very indefinite bounds? The mere .statement that, degree examinations can lie passed after a few days' ".cramiug," a trite expression, is so absurd as hardly tu merit criticism, but one is apt to become impatient at such statements. Examinee.