Abstract
A CENTURY ago the Mechanics' Institutes were developing among artisans a new enthusiasm for study of the sciences instrumental in bringing about the industrial revolution. One of the marked defects in adult education nowadays is the neglect of science, though here and there a class in biology or some related subject may be found. It is the more cheering, therefore, to learn that the British Institute of Adult Education not only devoted its recent Conference, held at Balliol College, Oxford, on Sept. 23–20, to discussion of this situation, but also can report a singularly interesting and useful series of meetings. The Institute had previously sent to each of those present a copy of the latest report produced by the Adult Education Committee of the Board of Education— “Natural Science in Adult Education” (H.M. Stationery Office, (6d. net). The main points which emerged from the speeches and discussions were that the study of science should be an integral part of adult education: that students will bo forthcoming if the subject is taught in. a humanistic spirit; that fuller co-operation between universities, technical colleges, local education authorities, and voluntary organisations is essential; and above all, that the supply of'teachers capable of treating science in a broad as well as a thorough fashion must be greatly increased.
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Conference on Adult Education. Nature 120, 496–497 (1927). https://doi.org/10.1038/120496a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/120496a0