A survey of the educational system of the Philippine islands by the Board of educational survey, created under acts 3162 and 3196 of the Philippine Legislature.

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

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pended. The rhythm is probably enjoyed. The whole problem of
selecting materials for reading should be a matter for thorough study
during the next two or three years.
PHONICS.-The discussion of phonics in the report on primary
schools is applicable in some measure throughout the grades. Unless
the work in phonics is very closely related to the work of reading,
spelling, and pronunciation it may be a waste of time. Many lessons
in phonics were observed in which the work seemed to have no relationship to anything else. It was an isolated, abstract drill period.
Occasionally it was so related to needs that it seemed to be helpful.
It is recommended that continued study of the work in phonics be
made with experiments in reducing the time given to it, and also with
experiments in using different methods of teaching, using the same
amounts of time. By checking results, in a few years some valuable
information could be acquired on what the values of phonics teaching
really are, and what methods are most effective.
SPELLING.-The spelling material presented in the revised courses
for the primary and intermediate grades is based upon a commendable
investigation of the spelling problems and difficulties of Filipino children.
It is suggested that no changes in this work be made until further experience and investigation point the way to improve any needs revealed.
The tests have shown the spelling situation to be reasonably satisfactory.
As methods of presentation and study are refined, it may be possible
to reduce even less the time specifically devoted to spelling in the upper
grades without reducing the efficiency. Spelling should be taught in
all subjects as new words are added to the children's usable vocabulary.
Continuous use should be made of what is learned in phonics as a help
in pronunciation and spelling. How to use the dictionary for pronunciations and spellings should be thoroughly taught.
GEOGRAPHY.-The new courses of study in geography are good.
Work is provided in grades three to six, inclusive. The results in the
tests relating to geographical knowledge were disappointing. The explanation probably lies in the inadequacy of detailed helps in the old
course for fifth and sixth grades, and poor teaching of the subject.
Teachers observed seemed to depend too much upon the textbook alone.
This is characteristic of the general tendency in the schools in neglecting to connect the work of the studies with the life and conditions of
the real world. Many teachers are not themselves very strong in their
knowledge of geography as a vital, socializing subject.
The revised courses of study are much more detailed in their suggestive helps than the old. If teachers will refer to these from day to
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