Schooling and Education

Te Ao Hou, March 1963, Page 51

Schooling and Education The most important reason, I suppose, is that everybody now realises that to live in the modern world a person must be able to do more than read and write. Unskilled labour is beginning to disappear, or at least, to become a false name—every job requires some sort of skill. However, there's another reason for the change—one, I think, that we New Zealanders are not too clear about. It is this, that to understand what happens in the world, to make wise choices, to think critically about science, art, religion, politics, a person must have an education, and to gain this he must have a longer period of schooling. Let's be clear about it, though; schooling is not education. A middle-aged Maori lady whose wisdom I thoroughly respect never passed Standard Three, yet she is an educated person. Her school was living, and that, in the long run, is the one where we learn most. Different courses suit different children; because Rangi's sister took Commercial that's no reason why she should too. Children seldom know for sure what it is they will want to do when they leave school. Take notice of what they say but also talk it over with the teacher or headmaster before the year is out. If you are still not satisfied get in touch with your local Vocational Guidance Office; this is a branch of the Education Department whose officers are specially trained to help with this kind of problem.