Education Commons^™

The Approach To Reading, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)

Primary School Studies

First published in 1952, this pamphlet explores the fundamental and far-reaching values of reading, and considers the nature, purpose and place of a full reading programme in the school curriculum. It advocates for the achievement of a balanced school reading program which includes learning to read, understanding that reading leads to improved social competence, and promotes reading as a valuable leisure activity. It discusses approaches to determining reading readiness, preparing for reading and developing reading interests, as well as providing methods and materials for the teaching of reading in the primary grades.

The Individual Child, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)

Primary School Studies

First published in 1952, this pamphlet suggests that schools should consider the needs and possibilities of each, individual child and cater the curriculum accordingly, to meet those needs. It suggests two considerations in determining best practice: determining the ‘learning level’ and ‘learning load’ of each student. It also emphasises the need to distinguish between achievement and capacity, in measuring students’ success. The pamphlet argues that the aim of a ’vigorous and progressive education’ should be to promote student independence.

Ends And Means In Arithmetic, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)

Primary School Studies

First published in 1952, this pamphlet suggests there is need for a new approach to the subject of applied arithmetic. But social utility, if not the sole justification of arithmetic, is the main one. If it were applied as a touchstone to the litter of wearisome material that clutters up the present courses, much would be found false and useless. Perhaps if we could agree upon the ends that arithmetic should serve, we would have gone a long" way towards finding the means to attain them.

Highways Of Expression, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)

Primary School Studies

First published in 1952, this pamphlet discuses how a teacher may go about encouraging creative expression. The fundamental problem of creative expression in schools is the problem of ensuring for each child an interested listener or reader.

The essential quality of artistic creativeness is that the product shall arise from an inward urge to use imagination creatively. The teacher's role is to devise situations in which children will feel the urge.

Power Over Words, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)

Primary School Studies

First published in 1952, this pamphlet suggests ways to extend and improve the quality of children vocabularies through reading, expression, language activities and formal lessons. It also examines the planning of courses in spelling and shows the lack of agreement amongst states when it comes to what words should be on spelling lists.

Children In Groups, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)

Primary School Studies

First published in 1952, this pamphlet explores some examples of group work in classrooms. The effect of groups is also examined and also how the best results can be achieved when creating groups and group work for children.

The following is a summary of what is needed for a group to work well.

1. It must be doing definite work for a purpose known to, and accepted by, each child in the group.

2. Each child must feel that he can help to achieve the purpose.

3.The purpose itself must satisfy some need perceived by each child as important.

4.The …