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Period: 1483 to 1546
Martin Luther
Translated the Bible to German which allowed people to become educated in their native language. Also advocated the necessity of establishing schools so children could learn to read. -
Period: to
Johann Pestalozzi
Believed all education is based on sensory impressions and that children can achieve their natural potential through proper sensory experiences. He developed "object lessons" which encouraged counting, measuring, feeling and touching. He also wrote two boks to help parents with their children at home. -
Period: to
Friedrich Froebel
Known as the "father of kindergarten." He believed that children learn through play and that a teacher's role is to observe a child's natural "unfolding" and provide activities for them to learn when they are ready to learn it. He promoted self-activity by developing a systematic, planned curriculum based on "gifts", "occupations", songs and educational games. -
Period: to
Maria Montessori
Believed that "mental deficiency was more of an educational than medical problem." and became interested in educational solutions for problems like deafness, paralysis, and mental retardation. She created the Montessori method for educating young children and believed that respect for children is the foundation for learning. -
Period: to
Jean Piaget
Interested in how children learn and develop intellectually and has a theory of stages of cognitive development. He believed that children seek knowledge and should be actively involved in their learning. He also believed that children develop intelligence through hands-on experiences that helped them adapt to their environments. -
Period: to
Lev Vygotsky
Developed the Sociocultural Theory which emphasizes the importance of social interactions and cognitive development.
Believed that social development is supported an enhanced by social interactions and that children seek adults for these interactions from birth. He also believed that communication between children and teachers can act as a scaffolding to higher levels of learning. -
Period: to
Erik Erikson
Believed that cognitive and social development occur together. He developed the theory of psychosocial development. He believed that a child's personality and social skills develop in response to societies exceptions and demands. He also believed that parents and teachers have powerful roles in helping children with their social and cognitive development. -
Period: to
Howard Gardner
Developed the multiple intelligence theory which suggests that people can be "smart" in different ways. He has identified nine different intelligences: visual/spatial, verbal/linguistic, mathematical/logical, bodily/kinesthetic, musical/rhythmic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, naturalist, and existentialist. He has already played in important role in helping how teachers view the concept of intelligence.