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Nov 10, 1483
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Translated the Bible from Latin, allowing people to be edcated in their own language. Avocated establishing schools to teach children how to read. Today, literacy continues to be a national priority. -
John Locke (1632-1704)
Theory that children are born as blank tablets, meaning environment and experiences literally form the mind. Believed children's experiences determine who they are, experiences are the basis of learning. Learning should begin early. Children learn what they are taught - teachers literally make children. -
Johann Pestalozzi (1746-1827)
Pestalozzi was influenced by both Comenius and Rousseau. Avocated that education should follow the course of nature. Believed all education is based on sensory impressions. Promoted the idea that the mother could best teach children. Also believed in the idea that when children can represent their experiences through drawing, writing, etc. -
Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852)
Known as the "Father of the Kindergarten". Concept of children and learning is based in part of the idea of "unfolding". Compares children to growing plants and teachers as the gardener. Froebel developed "gifts" and "occupations" to help young children learn. Believed children can and should learn through play. -
John Dewey & Progressive Education Theory (1859-1952)
Dewey's theory of schooling, usually called progressivism, emphasizes children and their interests rather than subject matter. Children's interests form the basis of the curriculum. Child-centered education. Educate children for today - not tomorrorw. -
Jean Piaget & Constructivist Learning Theory (1896-1980)
Theory of cognitive development based on ages and stages. Children are "little scientists" and literally develop their own intelligence. Mental and physical activities are important for cognitive development. Project approach to learning. Constructivist approaches to early childhood education. Matching education to children's stages of cognitive development. -
Lev Vygotsky & Sociocultural Theory (1896-1934)
A contemporary of Piaget. Vygotsky's theory of development is particularly useful in describing children's mental, language, and social development - is supported and enhanced by others through social interaction. Futher believed that children seek adults for social interaction begininng at birth; development occurs through these interactions. -
Erik Erikson & Psychosocial Theory (1902-1994)
Theory of psychosocial development - cognitive development occurs in conjunction with social development. Life is a series of 8 stages with each stage representing a critical period in social development. How parents and teachers interact with children helps determine their emotional and cognitive development. Play supports children's social and cognitive development. All children need predicable, consistent love, care, and education. -
Abraham Maslow & Self-Actualization Theory (1908-1970)
Developed a theory of motivation called self-actualization based on the satification of human needs. Highest human need. Maintains that people don't achieve self-actualization until the needs for life essentials, safety, and security belongingness, and love, achievement and presige, and aesthetics are met. Helping children meet their basic needs is an importnant role for you, parents, and others. -
Urie Bronfenbrenner & Ecological Theory (1917-2005)
Ecological systems theory views the child as developing within a system of relationships. Five interrelating systems - microsystems, mesosystems, exosystems, macrosystems, and chronosystem - have a powerful impact on development. Each system influences and is influenced by the other. Development is influenced by children and their environment. Teachers are more aware of how different environments shape children's lives in different ways. -
National Defense Education Act - 1958
Influenced by the Soviet launch of the satellite Sputnik on October 4, 1957. The act, therefore, was designed to fulfill two purposes. It was designed to provide the country with specific defense oriented personnel - includes providing federal help to foreign language scholars, area studies centers, and engineering students. It provided financial assistance, for students who would enroll in college in the 1960s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Education_Act -
The Economic Opportunity Act - 1964
Part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's war on poverty. Implemented several social programs to promote the health, education, and general welfare of people with low socioeconomic status. Provided for the beginning of Head Start in 1965. Latter updated as the Head Start Act in 1981. One of the longest running programs to address systemic poverity in the United States. -
No Child Left Behind - 2001
Continues the standard movement established by the National Defense Education Act. Currently all 50 states have standards that specify what children should know and do. Provides federal funding for schools - accure high test scores and meet adequate yearly progress standards. Emphasizes accountability through testing.
