EDUCATION TESTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22936, 14 January 1938, Page 10

EDUCATION TESTS

REPLY TO ATTACKS "REFORM, NOT ABOLITION" NECESSITY FOR EFFORT THE CHANCELLOR'S VIEWS [flY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] DUNEDIN, Thursday The controversial subject of examinations was touched on by tho Chancolof the University of. New Zealand, the lion, J. A. Hanan, M.L.C., in the course of his address at the opening of the annual sessions of the Senate in Dunedin to-day. As an adequate assessment of educational values, of the texture of students' minds, they had been assailed, ho said, by visiting members of the Education Fellowship with even more unqualified condemnation than New Zealand critics had expressed. Receiving No Quarter "Examinations are receiving no quarter," Mr. Hanan continued. "The proficiency examination, long in force as a criterion for Standard VI. pupils for admission to free secondary school education, has been jettisoned to the triumphant joy of the iconoclasts. As a gauge of fitness to enter on a university course the matriculation test is being discredited.

"Logically, if that contention holds, tho validity of degree examinations and tho conferring of degrees as tho accepted insignia of sound learning will also come into question. So long as a degree founded upon examinations is the goal of the course, will it be possible to give students and their preceptors the right aim, and will the development of their highest faculties to their fullest capacity bo realised? To furnish the mind is not enough, it must be formed, its quality developed, and its productive activity stimulated. Wealth of thought linked with the true, tho beautiful and tho good was what the Greeks coveted. Best Test o! Knowledge

"I do not propose now to discuss that probable development of the antiexaminafion movement, other than to submit that tests there must be. Reform is needed, but not abolition. In my opinion the best test of a person's grasp of knowledge or principles is power to apply the same practically and skilfully. Learning by and for doing is an excellent educational maxim.

"Lowering the grade of work, and making the passing of an examination free from tho requirements of reasonable industry and sustained effort would lead to defective education and contribute to elements of weakness of character in our citizens of the future," added tho chancellor, "thereby handicapping them when playing their part as strong, balanced, self-reliant citizens in the battle of lifcyand the progress of society. It is desirable not to forget that strength, whether of muscle, mind or spirit, comes only as a result of effort, conflict with difficulty, and of severe trials,"