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Period: 1483 to 1546
Martin Luther
Allowed people to be educated by translating the Bible from Latin to vernacular language and also advocated for the formation of public schools to teach children to read. Luther influenced modern theorists by leading the way to universal and public education allowing all children the right to learn to read. The importance of adult literacy was also addressed because of Martin Luther. -
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John Locke
Locke conceptualized the idea that experiences are the basis of all learning and that those experiences define how they will be as people. He believed that children are born as "blank tablets." Locke's ideas influenced modern theorists with the ideals that learning should begin as early as possible because we, as teachers can teach children to think and act as society wants. -
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Robert Owen
Owen believed that environment determines how a person thinks and acts, but that education can have a stronger influence to counteract a poor environment. Owen influenced modern theorists on the importance of infant programs and early childhood education. -
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Friedrich Froebel
Froebel believed that children develop through "unfolding," as if they are plants growing in a garden. As the founder of kindergarten, Froebel believed that children can and should learn through play. Modern theorists took on the idea that teachers should use tools to help children to grow. -
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Maria Montessori
Through her practice, the Montessori Method of education was founded. She believed that respect for children is the foundation for teaching and that "knowledge intrinsically comes from sensory experiences." The Montessori Method of education has become a widely used style of education that promotes prepared environments for children to support education. -
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Jean Piaget
Piaget created the Theory of Cognitive Development determined by ages and stages of children. He believed that mental and physical activities are important for cognitive development. Piaget has strongly influenced modern theories on education by helping to create constructivists approach to early childhood education and working to match educational levels with cognitive stages. -
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Erik Erikson
Erikson developed the theory of psychosocial development, which states that cognitive development occurs along with the development of social skills. He created 8 stages spanning over one's life that are critical for social development. The importance of positive emotional interactions from parents and teachers has been influenced by modern theorists that follow the work of Erik Erikson. -
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Abraham Maslow
Maslow created a theory based on what he believed are human's hierarchy of needs and that development occurs when these basic needs are met. His influence on modern education has been essential in becoming aware of student's basic needs so that cognitive development can occur. His theory has also helped modern theorists to open up movements such as programs for self esteem and the involvement of psychologists and counselors in school.