Survey of industrial arts in the secondary schools of Texas

Abstract

Scope of Study: A brief history of industrial arts from ancient times down to the present, with special emphasis on Texas development, is given plus some background study of educational philosophy and psychology prior to presentation of a survey of industrial arts departments in Texas schools taught by members of the Texas Industrial Arts Association membership. Subject matter of the survey includes the training and qualifications of the instructors, factors affecting teaching efficiency, the curriculum and techniques of teaching, and facilities for instruction.

Findings and Conclusions: The industrial arts teachers participating in the study are well qualified from both academic and professional standpoints; they have good tenure in position and are well acquainted with the needs of industry. The curriculum varies from one school to the other; classes vary in size, with some being too large; sufficient equipment is furnished in most instances, but the average classroom space is too small for safety and for the number of boys desiring this instruction. The most often mentioned problem is the dual one of lack of understanding on the part of school administration of the subject and the new emphasis on science and mathematics which draws the better pupils away from elective courses.