SIR,—May I be allowed to say, with the utmost diffidence,
that E. L. Packer in the article called " Conflict in the Schools " (6.7.45) has missed one very important point? In my experience of teaching in different Primary schools since I left college, the utter impossibility of using " Modern Methods " was brought about not by the obstructive tactics of head teachers—who are often more than willing to allow a young teacher to carry out her own methods—but by the outrageous size of classes to be taught.
How can anyone with a class of fifty in a room built to hold 48 (just), with about 18 inches space between the rows of double desks, hope to allow the children to "carry through a project themselyes, working in groups, with the teacher acting as adviser "? There just is no room to do it. The tantalising part is, we who are "young teachers" know that the methods we are taught in college are good, and should like to be able to carry them out. But we cannot.
Let us hope that as more teachers are trained, the number of children in a class will be reduced. Meanwhile, may I say how interesting I find this and other articles in your excellent publication?—Yours very truly,
82 Kechill Gardens, Hayes, Kent. MARION WILMSHURST.
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