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Jan 1, 1483
Martin Luther
Stressed the importance of providing literacy schools and providing education of reading to children. Luther believed in was important that people learn to read through their native language. -
John Locke
Theory that children are blank tablets, meaning children are like sponges and are capable in absorbing anything around them. Locke stressed that children should begin learning early and he believed that children learn best through their own real life experiences. -
Robert Owen
Owen believed that controlling enviromental outcomes, created better behaviors within children. Owen believed that influencing postive morals within children would create a better society. He also established his first infant school in 1816 in Scotland. Today in society infant schools are still widely attended. -
Maria Montessori
Developed Montessori method that is widely used today. Maria believed in the importance of sensory experiences for the young child. Emphasized the importance of a prepared environment done by the educator. Many educators today are being taught the Montessori method and approach. There is large scale of public Montessori Schools. -
Jean Piaget
Known for creating Stages of Development; Sensorimotor, Preoperational, and Concrete Stage. Following much research of children, Piaget noted that children need guidance from adults, as they do not think like adults. Piaget states children are "little scientists." Today Piagets constructivist theory is still being used. Educators educate themselves of how children think and learn through obersvations. Early childhood educators guide children through knowing what developmental stage they are at. -
Lev Vygotsky
Created the concept known as the Zone of Proximal Development. This is a mid-zone of a child's independence and a child needing assistance from an adult. Vygotsky stresses that children learn through play, such as acting out real life situations, and adults can assist in creating these scenarios. Today Vygotsky's scaffolding is still known and used. Educators understand that children learn best with the assistance of adults. -
Abraham Maslow
Maslow stressed the priority of meeting a child's security and safety needs. He called this theory self-actualization, stating that children must learn how to obtain positive self-esteem in order to become successful. Today Maslow's theory is widely influenced, as educators are strongly emphasize positive self-esteem in the classroom through guidance, empathy, and love. -
Howard Gardner
Known for Multiple Intelligence Theory. Gardner believes that everybody learns in different ways, such as visual learning, or verbal learning, although there is 9 different intelligences that Gardner identifies. Gardner has influenced education today, through his nine intelligences. Educators are more open to creating a classroom that nurtures children based on their learning ability.
