Education reformers

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    Let’s take a look at some of the most famous education reformers of all time from various countries across the globe. What is education reform? Well, it actually has a simple meaning. It is the process of improving public education.

    United States of America
    (October 20, 1859 – June 1, 1952)

    John was an American philosopher, psychologist and education reformer. His ideas have been influential in education and social reform.

    John believed that learning was active and schooling unnecessarily long and restrictive. His idea was that children came to school to do things and live in a community, which gave them real and guided experiences.

    Austria (February 25 or 27, 1861
    – March 30, 1925)

    Waldorf education (also known as Steiner education) is a humanistic approach to pedagogy based on an educational philosophy. This Austrian philosopher believed that learning is interdisciplinary; it integrates practical, artistic and conceptual elements to help young people become free, morally responsible and integrated individuals and to help every child fulfil his or her unique destiny.

    Currently, there are more than 600 Waldorf schools in over 32 countries, serving approximately 120,000 students. There are over 50 schools and kindergartens currently operating in Australia and about 125 in North America.

    China  (551 – 479 BC)

    The historical importance of education in Chinese culture is derived from the teachings of Confucius and the philosophers of the middle and late Chou eras. Essentially, these philosophies taught that social harmony could be achieved only if humans were free from deprivation and given proper education.

    Confucius taught that all people possessed the same potential and that education was a corrective means to curb any tendencies to stray from ethical behaviour.

    Italy (August 31, 1870 – May 6, 1952)

    Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator, a noted humanitarian and a devout Catholic. She is best known for her educational method, which is in use today in public and private schools throughout the world.

    Today, Montessori schools are different from traditional schools. Montessori schools believe in allowing the students to choose how long it takes to explore and learn from an activity. The schedule is fluid, depending on the children’s energy. Being outdoors is essential in a Montessori school; through outdoor play, children learn to appreciate the planet while feeding their natural curiosity.

    Middle East  (c. 872 – between   December 14, 950 and January 12, 951)

    He was a renowned scientist and philosopher of the Islamic Golden Age. He was also a cosmologist, logician and musician. Through his commentaries and treatises,
    Al-Farabi became well known among medieval Muslim intellectuals as “The Second Teacher,” that is, the successor to Aristotle, “The First Teacher.” Al-Farabi used many terms to describe education, and the following are some used to define education — discipline, training, guidance, instruction, exercise, upbringing, Al- Farabi

    Sources:
    nwww.wikipedia.com
    nwww.onestopenglish.com/
    nwww.google.com
    nhttp://answers.yahoo.com/search

    By Kesshmita Paranjothi 16, Selangor

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