MODERN EDUCATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20767, 9 January 1931, Page 13

MODERN EDUCATION.

INQUIRY IN AMERICA. HOMEWORK ABANDONED. [from ornt own conn EsroN dent.] NEW YORK, Dec. 10. A general reorganisation of methods of elementary education in the United States is in sight, following deliberations of a national committee, supplemented by 19 sub-committees, appointed by President Hoover to study the effect of educational methods on the mental and physical wellbeing of the child Tbe survey is producing some unusual results, it lias been found, for instance, that (lie much-pitied city child is actually sounder physically than his country cousin. Rural children have from i to 20 per cent, more physical defects than city school children. The rural child gets onesided physical development; he lacks the medical care and health service facilities that the city child is offered. Apparently these more than offset the vaunted effects of country air. Home work is doomed to extinction, at least, in the first six grades. It may even be abolished in the high school. The principle behind the change is that the school day may lie lengthened, with greater variety >n the programme and additional opportunities for study. In North America, unlike the rest of the English-speaking world, school children get nearly three months' holiday in summer The Presidential survey condemns this holiday as too empty, too much opposed to the formality of school. It is recommended that every school assume the responsibility of providing for the child, during his summer vacation, opportunities for healthful and creative activity.

Mental hygiene looms largely in the new projected curricula. It. is proposed to submit children to a medical examination every year, at the State expense, and to notify the parents of defects discovcied. Iri addition, daily health inspection is recommended, to detect, control and prevent communicable disease. This examination is to be conducted by the teacher, who will be trained to recognise signs of health disturbance which may be early and premonitory symptoms of contagion, if there is no family physician, parents are to be introduced to community agencies organised for this purpose. Pupils leaving high school will bo instructed in the functions of the human body, the biology of reproduction, knowledge and skill which will enable them to reduce the accident rate, first aid, effects of tobacco and alcohol, patent medicines, freedom from superstition on subjects concerning health" and disease, and a specific knowledge of their own assets and liabilities in bodily equipment. The new trend of physical education is away from gymnastics in the direction of organised games, self-testing and out-of-school activities, such as "hiking," camping and recreation clubs, according to the needs, interests and abilities of the pupil. Tests of endurance, such as long-distance running, are forbidden. Formal breathing exercises are, also taboo. County, State and national athletic championships are held undesirable for both boys and girls. The cost of the present child health programme averages from 10s to 15s a pupil in cities from 10.000 to 100.000 population. This amount will be materially increased. Some educators are predicting that 10 per cent, of the educational budget will not be considered excessive when the complete programme is attained