Science in National Education 



the better classification of the children according 

 to aptitude and the rate at which they can learn. 



Again, we have done far too little to secure 

 medical inspection of the children in elementary 

 schools. Should there not be in every school 

 exact and systematic inquiry into the physical 

 condition and needs of those receiving instruc- 

 tion ? Acting on the results of such inquiries, we 

 should proceed to remove the parental ignorance 

 and the hurtful social conditions which at present 

 hamper the growth and well-being of so many 

 children. There is need for more scientific 

 husbandry of the human material of which the 

 nation is composed. 



Among the further needs of our elementary 

 education are (i) the better teaching of the mother 

 tongue and the fuller training of the power of 

 expression (in this matter France and Germany 

 put us to shame) ; (2) better grading of the work 

 done in the highest classes and strengthening of 

 the teaching staff accordingly (it is a frequent 

 complaint that pupils practically mark time be- 

 tween twelve and fourteen) ; (3) the establishment 

 of central schools, with carefully chosen teachers 

 and complete equipment, at convenient places in 

 country districts, the pupils being conveyed to 

 these schools from the surrounding villages and 

 scattered houses, as is being done with striking 

 success in parts of Canada and of the United 

 States ; (4) the formation of higher departments 

 in connection with selected elementary schools, 

 on the lines encouraged in parts of Scotland by 



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