Facsimile PDF - Online Library of Liberty

further. I pass on to inyuiro whether good Cram” is an
objectionable form of education. The good ‘‘ cramming ” tutor
or lecturer is one whoso objcct is to enable his pupils to take a
high placo in tho list. With this object he carefully ascertains
the scope of tho examination, scrutinises past papcrs, and
estimates in every possible way the probable character of
futuro papers. He then trains his pupils in each branch of
study with an intensity proportioned to the probability that
questiom will be asked in that branch. It is too much to
assume that this training will bo superficial. On the contrary,
though narrow it will probably be intense and deep. It will
~~sually consist to n cousidcrnblo extent in preliminary examinations
intended both to test and train the pupil in the art of
writing answers. The great r( conches ” at Cambridge in
former days might be said to proceed by a constant system of
examination, oral instruction or simple reading being subordinate
to the solving of innumerable problems. The main
question which I havo to discuss;, then, resolves itself into
this: whether intense training directed to tho passing of
certnin defined examinations constitutes real ducation. The
popular opponents of ‘I Cram” imply that it does not; I
maintain that it docs.
It hnppcned that, just as I was about to write this article,
the Home Secretary presided at the annual prize-distribution
in the Liverpool College, on tho 22nd December, 1876, and
took occasion to make the usual remarks about Ir Cram.” He
expressed wit,h admirable clearness the prevailing complaints
against examinations, and
I shall therefore take the liberty of
making his speech in some degree my text. ‘(Examination is
not education,” he said. rr You require a great deal more
than that, As well as being examined, you must be taught,
. . . In tho great scramble for life there is a notion at the
present moment of getting hold of as much general superficial
knowledge as you can. That to my mind is a fatal mistake,
On the other hand, there is a great notion that if you can get
through your examination and rcram up’ a subject very well,
you are being educated. That, too, is a most fat.al mistake.
There is nothing which would delight me so much, if I were