CHAPTER 9 - Forms and Reforms

Abstract

This chapter illustrates forms and reforms in education in Canada. The physical facilities provided for Canada's educational enterprise are among the best to be found in the world. Modern engineering and architecture have combined with other disciplines such as medicine and psychology to produce educational buildings that are conducive to creating good learning situations. Changes in the psychology of classroom learning have led to changes in school design. The traditional concept of one-class/one-teacher has given way to team teaching arrangements whereby several teachers co-operate in instruction in one or more classes. As a result of these changes there have been further changes in the architecture of schools such that in some instances instructional space is no longer entirely confined within four walls but is open on one or two sides. The teachers are also better educated now. Among the significant changes that have been taking place in Canada has been the emergence of the junior, community, or District College as it is variously known in different parts of Canada. The traditional patterns of elementary and secondary education have been undergoing radical changes in both content and method. The old elementary pattern of reading, writing, and arithmetic has been altered to include social studies, art and music, and related fields.