GERMAN AND ENGLISH TRAINING.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144084, 1 May 1913, Page 5

GERMAN AND ENGLISH TRAINING.

Germany enjoys the reputation of being the land of pedagogics par excellence, and German educational methods are often hailed as being more systematic and scientific than those, of any other, country. Germany’s claim to load the world in the matter of education is, however, disputed, and curiously enough, by a German. Professor Franz, of Tubingen, a well-known Shakespearian authority, has issued a study of “The Value of English Culture for Germany’s Development,” which contrasts German and English methods, concluding in favour of the latter. The Professor’s contention is that while Gorman methods make for erudition, English methods stand for more genuine culture and produce hotter citizens and men. The aims of German education, says the Professor, require industry and conscientiousness, but less firmness and self-denial than in England. In English schools there exists a severe code of honour and veracity, in which self-respect plays a lending part. The relations between master and pupil are usually ones of frankness and confidence, and this contrasts strongly with the Continental'system of .searching for evil everywhere. As a result of this difference in system, says Professor Franz, Englishmen look back on their school-days, as a time of happiness, whereas Germany’s best and most capable men complain bitterly of their schqol experiences. The relations of men to men are different in the two countries, largely owing to the different ways of training youth. “The Englishman appreciates initiative and independence of character even in the official,” observes Professor Franz. “He loaves him 1 at liberty, pays him well, makes high demands on him, and encourages, his sense of responsibility, in that energetic resistance which is opposed to any autocratic, whims.” From this training, ho concludes, come the qualities of self-mastery and self-disci-pline, and unity of national and race feeling, which transcends all differences of party, and in which Germany, with all her educational systems, is lacking.