ADAMS COMPARES EDUCATION AIMS

Strongly emphasizing the advantages of a two or three weeks' respite from classes before the midyear and final examination periods, an innovation which is rumored to be meditated by the authorities of the University, Sir John Adams, Professor of Education at the University of London, discussed methods and traditions of education in England and America.

Professor Adams, knighted in 1925 for his services of education in various English universities, explained that in England the university and its college are entirely different in their functions, finances and derivation. The college of an English university, such as Christ's College at Oxford, was originally a sort of club, where students ate and slept. In the course of time teachers became associated with the various colleges, and a separate organization developed. Since these teachers, or dons did not give regular courses or lectures, the tutorial system developed.

Harvard System Incomplete

Professor Adams pointed out, however, that the Harvard tutorial system, due to its rapid organization and to the fact that it is superimposed on an educational system already established, was far from being as complete as the English. In English colleges there are no regular lecture courses with required attendance. The work of the students consists almost entirely of independent reading and research guided by the tutor.

Another interesting contrast between English and American methods is that most of the hard work is done during vacations, while sports and activities hold first place during the term of residence. Freedom from enforced academic engagements, however, gives the students an extremely valuable time in which to assimilate their work before examinations. "A time for absorption or," said Professor Adams, "as the Americans say, time of review is to be preferred to old fashioned methods of cramming."

As for Professor Adams's impressions of Harvard, he stated that all Englishmen are surprised at the antiquity and traditions of Harvard. He quoted one friend as saying, "Why they speak of what they were doing at Harvard 275 years ago, that's an old college!"

Professor Adams was also impressed by the masculinity of Harvard Square. "Even in college towns, women usually set the tone of the shops, but in Cambridge, a woman has difficulty in finding the object she seeks amidst the quantity of men's shops."