ON STUDIES MOST SUITABLE FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS. 509 



Inspection. 



The aims and methods we have advocated obviously demand much 

 enthusiasm, intelligence, and skill on the part of the teacher. To appre- 

 ciate such effort, the inspector must be at least as familiar with the 

 subject-matter and the proper modes of its pi-esentment as the teacher 

 himself. Nothing takes the heart out of a teacher so quickly as a want 

 of appreciation of I'eally earnest work. In assessing the value of such 

 work the inspector should ascertain that a carefully thought out scheme 

 of work has been regularly and progressively followed ; an examination 

 of the pupils' note-books recording the year's work, supplemented by some 

 general oral questions and the carrying out of practical exercises by a 

 selected number of pupils, should afford him all the information that is 

 necessary. If the class does not show an intelligent understanding of 

 the purpose for which experiments were performed, it is desirable to 

 examine the character of the teacher's preparation of lessons. 



The Committee desire to direct attention to the following conclusions 

 and recommendations : — 



(1) The recommendations of the Committee of Section B on 'The 

 Teaching of Chemistry,' in reference to the subject-matter and methods 

 of instruction should be followed in giving instruction in ' Elementary 

 Physical Science.' 



(2) They do not consider the system of peripatetic science instructors 

 satisfactory, except as a temporary expedient. 



(3) Every primary school should be provided with a special work- 

 room simply furnished, in which many forms of practical study could be 

 followed — e.g., manual instruction, drawing and elementary science for 

 boys, and cookery, laundry, drawing, and elementary science for girls. 



(4) That while fully appreciating the value of studies of natural 

 objects and changes they do not consider that ' nature-study,' as conducted 

 under the conditions of work prevailing in the average primary school, 

 provides bi/ itself a satisfactory substitute in the higher standards for 

 formal and systematic instruction in elementary experimental work in 

 physical science. 



(5) Much of the present object-teaching in primary schools is practi- 

 cally valueless ; throughout the standards some study of natural objects 

 is desirable. 



(6) In the training colleges more attention should be paid to aims 

 and methods of instruction in elementary science. 



(7) Ample provision should be made for classes of a pedagogic 

 character, in which existing teachers may become acquainted or increase 

 their acquaintance with methods of experimental inquiry. 



(8) Accurate practical work by individual pupils is essential if the 

 teaching of experimental science is to achieve its full educational 

 effects. 



(9) Where practical work by all the members of a class simultaneously 

 is impossible, much useful practical work may be done by a few working 

 at a time. 



(10) They regard the teaching of methods of experimental inquiry as 

 being of even greater importance to girls than to boys, in that it provides 

 a training of special importance in domestic management. 



(11) The teaching of domestic art should be much more closely 



