Before the standard schooling system in the United States was put in place, many children use to learn at home and or participating in real world activities as their main source of education. Only the most wealthy or privileged populations had the resource to send children to schools. All that change after the first state board of education in the United States was established in Massachusetts, where Horace Mann (often called the “Father of Modern U.S. Education”) served as secretary. In 1848, after a research trip to Germany, Mann encountered the “Prussian Model” of education, which emphasized obedience, memorization, and uniformity. This system was designed to prepare a disciplined workforce that would remain loyal to the state.
Knowing the full context on how the United States ended up with the current education system. Salman Khan concluded that much like how the board of education was created to facilitate a workforce and population that can sustain the 19th century needs of an industrial society. We too, need to change the education system that can support the needs of a society that is more focused on creative problem solving, and self-directed learning in a world that is in need of life long students.
Reflection/Question/Comments To Share:
I have my own thoughts on this subject that I think Salman missed in his excerpt. I do agree that the current public education is in need of a change, but I like to see the positives things the current education system brought to the table. Horace Mann believed that everyone is entitled to the same education which aligns with my personal values as an inspiring educator. With Horace Mann's impact, a lot of students are at least given a chance for a proper education that is not needed to be paid by their parents. Epically if there from a community that isn't as well of from others. It brings basic literacy, and simple mathematics skills that are honestly essential skills that are used in everyday life. School are also a great social gathering place where many students from different backgrounds come together to form communities through activities like clubs, sports, and after school programs.
I really like how your perspective focuses on the positive aspects of our system. There are certainly issues (as Khan extensively discusses), but education does have the power to be the "great equalizer" as Mann envisioned. Even as we discuss what changes need to be made, we should take care to preserve the skills and community building you mention.
ReplyDeleteHi Delio! I really like the part where you address how each student should be given the chance to have a proper education, as I have the same belief as well. As an aspiring educator myself, I too think that school is a great place for children to truly find themselves and what their interests are.
ReplyDeleteHey Delio your view on this subject really resonates with me. Our education system should be the cycle of the 19th century but in fact the now. We as a country has grown so much with advance technology that it is important, we use that technology to foster a better education system.
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