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Report On The Inspection Of Chiefs College 1937PDF 25
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20
ad ,
Tho provision of staff is generous for less than fifty boys ; but in vi
tho varying ages of the boys, ranging as they do from aight. to nineteen yore
of age, and of the number of classos required, the numbor of masters cannot
be reduced. At the same time, the existing number of posts would bo nearl
sufficient to meet the needs of double the number of boys. y
4. In common with the staffs of other Chiefs’ Collepes, the staff i
College is lacking in professionl training ; and tho exporionce of most ret
is limited to that gained in the College itselt. There is therefore a dange1
that masters will fall into a rut and-become unreceptive of new mcthods and
new ideas. The Managing Committee have taken early steps to counteract
these dangers. One member ot the staff has been assisted to receivo training
_at the Spence Ti aining College, Jubbulporo, and has returned to the Collego.
A second master is now receiving training in London and will shortly return
to service. A third master will soon bo proceeding to Leeds University for
the same purpose. A new recruit is expected in the summer who has received
special training in physical education. What is even more satisfactory is
that the Managing Committee intend to pursue this wise policy until. such
time as the majority of the masters shell have received training.
5. The fruits of this policy are already evident. In my. visits to the
class-rooms I noticed welcome signs of professional skill. For example, I
listened to an admirable losson in English, which was delivered to Class VIII,
the most junior class in the College. Tho master in question had received
training at the Spence Training College, Jubbulpore, and had, won the Gold
Medal as being the best student of his year. I also listened to a creditable
Jesson in mental arithmetic which was delivered to a mixed and difficult class
by one who had roceived training at Allahabad, -
On the other hand, more oral teaching (which requires for its success
considerable professional siill and tochnique) is advisable. Again, the
Principal has informed me of this intention to introduco in a modified form
the Dalton method of teaching, whose object is to stimulate individual study
‘and initiative under the guidance of the masters concernod. The system
possesses undoubted advantages, but is dependent upon skilled suporvision.
Without such suporvision the results may be disastrous. .
The Principal also intends to substitute very largely a systom of class-
teaching for subject’ teaching, especially in the lower classos. This is
undoubtedly 2 move in the right direction, All boys, especially younger
boys, become confused by an excessive variety of mastors and make better
‘progress, if they arc taught mainly by a class master who becomos acquainted
with their individual limitations.” The system of class-teaching also facilitates
a beneficial policy of decentralisation by the Principal, who can vest respon-
sibility in the class masters and thus be in a position to distribute exhortation
or admonition to each. But the successful introduction of the class-system is
dependent upon tho oxistence of a number of masters who are compotent
to teach a number of subjects. it is a significant coincidence that .the
Principal has thought it fit to introduce this beneficial change at the very
time when the staif had been strengthoned by the addition of well-trained
mastors. . ;
6. The College is also fortunate in that all assistant masters are now
serving OD contracts with the Govorning Body, whoreby notice can be given
by either party, subject to certain: conditions. There is a provident fund,
he contributions to which are kept in separate accounts.
The staff is distributed among certain grades, cach with a scale of incre.
mental salaries. Though, undoubtedly, proference should be givon to oxisting
masters, grado promotion should not be regarded as a matter of right or even
of seniority but rather asa reward for good and improving service: Similaily,
increments should not be regarded as a matter of right. The withdrawal of
an increment should be looked upon as a warning signal of moro drastig
action unless its lesson bas beon appreciated.
The Managing Committeo have been well-advised in filling a small
number of posts by masters sorving on short service contracts. By thig
means an_infusion of new blood is ensured. Moreover, an. institution of