MODERN EDUCATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22822, 5 March 1936, Page 18

MODERN EDUCATION

DEVELOPMENTS IN NEW SOUTH WALES TESTS TO DECIDE CAREERS (From Odb Own Correspondent) SYDNEY, February 21. If plans of the New South'Wales Department of Education have the success expected of them, there will come a time when square pegs will no longer have to try to fit into round holes. In future boys and girls who have just left school, and who seek employment through the Department of Labour and Industry, will be given psychological tests to ascertain the type of employment they are most suited for. The Vocational Guidance Bureau, which has been in existence for about three years, will bo modernised. Dr A. H. Martin, of the Sydney University, and honorary director of the Institute of Industrial Psychology, will supervise the tests, and he will have the assistance of two university graduates, who will be appointed by the Public Service Board. A clinic for the use of university students will also be established at the bureau. At present about 1500 boys and girls arc waiting to be put through the tests, which will commence at an early date. They will be divided into groups, such as boys suited for carpentry and joining, for the iron trades, and for clerical work. There will be groups to cover all kinds of employment. The girls will also bo divided into groups such as milliners, dressmakers, typists, domestics, factory hands, and clerical workers. The Department of Education during the past year has carried out a number of experiments in testing the intelligence of boys and girls attending the State schools. For the first time, a special intelligence, test was_ held at the High School entrance examination. The object was to ascertain more fully the mental attributes and aptitude of pupils, and to furnish data for use in the organisation of future examinations for entry to postprimary schools. One special “ activity school” which came into operation recently, is designed for boys above 12 years of age, whose ability, knowledge nnd general aptitude tend to indicate that they will (thrive benefit from a special postprimary course arranged on somewhat broader lines and principles than the ordinary superprimary school courses, in particular along craft lines. Recognising the importance of both vocational and educational guidance, the department initiated several schemes to direct children into post-primary courses of study most likely to contribute to the development of natural abilities. A special district in the metropolitan area was chosen, where two ollicers tested the whole of the sixth class pupils, administered certain intelligence and ability tests, and compiled for the teachers of schools to which the pupils will go cumulative school history cards on which data were recorded to enable school counsellors from time to time to assist children in the choice of careers. Similar work was commenced at two country towns.

A committee was also formed under the chairmanship of the Assistant Undersecretary for Education, with representatives of the Department of Education and of Labour and Industry, the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Manufactures, and parents, to co-operate with teachers in the dissemination of qualifications necessary for success in the different callings and openings in industry. Special classes conducted at two suburban schools arc for children of superior ability. The classes are composed of children who are carefully selected by means of teachers’ reports, tests of school work, and intelligence tests. The children are given the opportunity to do work commensurate with their ability, the purpose being to enable them to enjoy a broader and enriched primary curriculum, which cannot he provided in classes where children of widely-varying mental ability arc grouped together. The scheme is still in the experimental stage, but results are so promising that it has been decided- to extend activities to another metropolitan district.