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Jan 1, 1534
Martin Luther
Martin Luther (1483-1546) successfully published the translated Bible in 1534. It contributed greatly to the development of the German language. Luther also believed in the necessity of establishing schools to teach children how to read. Without his work, it could have been many years until children were taught how to read in a standardized level. Martin Luther also contributed to the Protestant reformation that encouraged and supported universal education. Something else we still strive towards -
Robert Owen
Robert Owen (1771-1858) believed strongly that environment contributed to children's beliefs, behavior, and achievement. Owen thought by controlling the way we nurture, and raise our children, and by being aware of the consequent outcomes of child rearing, we would improve the quality of society. He opened the first infant school in New Lanark, Scotland in 1816. This infant school led to the opening of the first infant school in London in 1818. -
Friedrich Wilhem Forbel
Friedrich Wilhen Frobel (1782-1852) is known today as the "father of kindergarten". He viewed the role of teachers is to observe children, then provide children with activities that enable them to learn when they are ready to learn. He believed that children are a lot like seeds that are planted. With the proper care, they grow to mature, fruit producing plants that unfold like flowers. Forbel also encouraged self activity and play to help with child development. -
John Dewey
John Dewey (1859-1952) created the progressive education theory, that is an ongoing influence on todays teaching practices. His theory focusses on children and their interests , rather than the subject matter. This practice formed the terms child-centered curriculum and child-centered school, two terms still in practice today. Dewey's school thrived on teaching life skills that were an extension of the life children lived at home. -
Launch of satellite Sputnik
The launch of Sputnik (1957).were in a race to be the first in space shortly after the end of World War II in 1945. The soviet Union launched won that race by launching the first satellite into space in 1957. The result form The soviet union beating the united states into space, the Americas became fearful of soviet dominion and the spread of communism. So in order to help protect our country , congress passed the National Defense Education Act (NDEA) in 1958.
