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Indigenous Practices were Prevalent
Educational practices by indigenous peoples before the arrival of European settlers often involved tag-along teaching, a hands on and practical approach to learning. (Larsen, M, 2016) -
Local Trustees began to implement hiring criteria for teachers
(Hodgins J.G., 1894) -
A board of education was formed in Ontario
(Putnam, JH, 1912) -
Common Schools Act
A common curriculum was implemented and teachers began to receive training for their profession. Teachers were certified and schools began to become more regulated. ("The Common Schools Act", 1850) -
Informal Homeschooling is Prevalent
Homeschooling often involved many age levels learning together in a woman's home. The "3 R's", practical skills, and morality were often the focus of lessons. (Larsen, M.) -
A Christian Influence on Public Education
“As Christianity is the basis of our whole system of elementary education, the principle should pervade it throughout.”
(Ryerson, 1853) (Larsen, M, 2016) -
A "Prussian Approach" -Late 1800s
Based off of highly efficient German schools, classrooms in Ontario began to implement the organized, complacent "Prussian Approach" where students were quiet and attentive. Desks were arranged in neat rows, and school was a serious place with little creativity.
(Larsen, M, 2016) -
The "Factory" approach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Tv6gQgj0VQ Standardized testing began to be used with students, and classrooms often prepared children to work in industrialized factories. This began the use of the school bell we are familiar with today. (Larsen, M, 2016) -
Progressive Approach
Schools were focused on individualized learning that was often done in a hands-on fashion. (Larsen, M, 2016) -
Standardized Aproach
Efficient Learning is often prioritized and under more government control than in previous periods. Standardized testing is the norm in Ontario school boards, and education is highly regulated. (Larsen, M, 2016) -
EQAO was established
(etfo.ca) -
Closure of the last Residential School in Canada
While not an Ontario-specific event, it is important in my opinion to note that the last closure of a Canadian Residential school occurred in 1996. Residential schools in Ontario had not existed for years at this point, however the repercussions from the existence of these schools are still seen today. (Elias et al., 2012)
