Language content included the alphabet for the infant class, as well as orthography, vocabulary, etymology, and grammar – all increasing in difficulty level as pupils moved up the standards. Literature study was poetry, stories, non-fiction, and plays.
The quality of the language and literature content was the key to education's success. Nineteenth century educators didn't need to justify selecting great literature appropriate for each age group. Shakespeare's literary works and his contribution to the English language were recognised. The episode describes how a 1899 Hawkes Bay teacher encouraged his pupils to cultivate a love of good literature.
Whitcombe and Tombs were publishing school readers especially written for New Zealand schools as early as the 1890s. The Imperial Reader Southern Cross Series contained comprehensive content about New Zealand, ranging from non-fiction stories about Captain Cook, to the siege at Orakau, as well as sheep-shearing.
Famous stories from literature included Shakespeare, novels such as Scott's Ivanhoe, and the works of Dickens. These were published in serial form. The content was not restricted to New Zealand. Children were encouraged to know about the wider world with stories such as 'A School in Syria' and 'The African Chief'. Engagement with good literature helped pupils to develop sophisticated vocabularies which they could use in their own speech and writing.
Grammar content is highlighted in the episode. I discuss its importance in developing logical thought in pupils' writing. The episode contains advice about teaching methods which use science of learning principles; advice such as commit to memory only what is understood, and proceed from the particular to the general. Reciting poetry wasn’t only about becoming familiar with the great poems. It was essential for memory development.
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Professor Elizabeth Rata is a sociologist of education in the School of Critical Studies, Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Auckland where she is Director of the Knowledge in Education Research Unit (KERU).
Whitcombe and Tombs were publishing school readers especially written for New Zealand schools as early as the 1890s. The Imperial Reader Southern Cross Series contained comprehensive content about New Zealand, ranging from non-fiction stories about Captain Cook, to the siege at Orakau, as well as sheep-shearing.
Famous stories from literature included Shakespeare, novels such as Scott's Ivanhoe, and the works of Dickens. These were published in serial form. The content was not restricted to New Zealand. Children were encouraged to know about the wider world with stories such as 'A School in Syria' and 'The African Chief'. Engagement with good literature helped pupils to develop sophisticated vocabularies which they could use in their own speech and writing.
Grammar content is highlighted in the episode. I discuss its importance in developing logical thought in pupils' writing. The episode contains advice about teaching methods which use science of learning principles; advice such as commit to memory only what is understood, and proceed from the particular to the general. Reciting poetry wasn’t only about becoming familiar with the great poems. It was essential for memory development.
Click to view
Professor Elizabeth Rata is a sociologist of education in the School of Critical Studies, Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Auckland where she is Director of the Knowledge in Education Research Unit (KERU).
2 comments:
As a 94 year old with 50 years of service under my belt Prof. Rata's presentation is wonderful and I hope will be available in book form. Not all of it I agree with in content but that is the essence of education and it is important to be exposed to the spectrum of ideas rather than be captured by any one school of thought since the discussion process is what matters rather than the dogma of fixed ideas. Education is a search for truth, something we may never attain but must constantly move towards.
It will all be chucked in the bin if Comrade Hipkins gets back in the big seat and the dumbing down of NZ will continue apace.
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