The Teaching of Craft Subjects: First in a new series from a correspondent

The aim in teaching craft subjects, whether in college or works, is to make an apprentice into an effective craftsman who will be efficient and productive in his work. This means that he will have learned to the appropriate level the principles underlying the tools, machines and materials applicable to the processes and operations of his industry. He will be able to select, treat, fashion and fabricate materials in the most economical way to produce the best job within the specified conditions. He will have confidence in his skills and knowledge — the confidence that comes from knowing what he is doing, what is happening and why. His broad personal development results from the totality of the influences to which he is exposed during his period of education and training. In this complex of influences, a growing confidence in his own effectiveness can play a very great part.