Newark post., 1912-07-10
METHODS OF EDUCATION ALIVE
QUESTION

Spencer and his ideas on classical
education, comes the criticism from
the National Educational AssOcia-
tiOn which is holding its fiftieth
annual convention in Chicago.
A report based on an investiga-
tion in twenty-five states shows ac-
cording to the National Council of
the organization. that entirely too
much attention is devoted to train
ing students for college and too lit
tie to vocational preparation. The
opinion is expressed in strong terms
when they claim that our high
schools are giving too much atten-
ton to work that is generally
bookish. scholastic. abstract and in
adequate to meet the practical
problems of life.
This. coming from our National
Association. must be taken not as
an insurgent move. but the result
Of the leading conservative authori-
ties of the country.
That the work Of our high schools
is not meeting the needs and de-
mandS Of the hour is admitted by
all those attume to the spirit Of the
times.
1t is the question of the day. The
economic and political safety and
future progress of our institutions
depend upon the proper solution of
this educational problem.
as we have called attention to the
fact before. the whole system of
education in this State is now be-
ING thoroughly investigated by the
State Board of Education.
That recommendations will be
made by this board to the next Gen
erai Assembly is assured. Our State
has not kept pace with her sister
states and some decided change may
be expected.
We should like to urge free ex-
preston Of opinion through the
Peoples Column and let us get the
ideas of all classes Of our citizen
ship. Many of our readers refuse
to take part in these discussions.
taking the attitude that the column
is used exclusively for knockers on
customs traditions and existing
states of affairs. Our attention was
called recently to this attitude by
one Of Newark S best informed.
| She thought conditions could be
improved at our local high school.
but on our request to set them forth
in print and give expression to her
/ ideas. she said the suggestion would
! be severely resented and no good
accomplished. The same attitude
is taken by many relative to college
affairs. A gentleman Of education
and prominence in the State said
he was not satisfied with the exist
ING conditions at the college. He
advocates a thorough investigation
and would lead back to the
ideals Of a cultural institution in
stead of the present tendency Of the
training school idea. Yet, through
fear Of publicity and reluctance tc
enter a serious discussion. his ideas
are wasted energy.
=. Criticism Of Cur high school by
this lady. or Of our college by this
gentIaman, would lead to great
public good. Their names would
add dignity 10 the question and de,
mand serious attention.
Vocational training and the cul-
tural education are vital questions
today. and only by healthy discus
sion shall we decide to the best in
terest Of the present and the future
Your ideas may be Of extreme
tyne. Insurgency is not confined to
the political world, but. like in the
political world, is an expression of
unrest and dissatisfaction with ex-
isting conditions. These questions
demand our attention. Not only
have they a bearing on the present
but are also vital to the welfare of
our children and the future citi,
zenshlp of the State and Nation.
The time is ripe for a change in
educational methods but it must
not be a revolution. The cultured
gentleman Of the old school and the
peasant class are passing away
They make up the romance and
struggles Of history.
Today with its mechanical per,
pleXities and material craze prom