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John Dewey (1859-1952)
John Dewey believed in progressive education, learning by doing. His school was based around progressive education. He changed how schools today approach learning and teaching. Instead of focusing on learning facts, schools today are focusing on experience to understand what is being taught.
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Maria Montessori (1870-1952)
Maria Montessori is known for the Montessori method for education. The foundation of this method lays on the belief that all knowledge comes from sensory experience and was influenced by John Comenius's beliefs in sensory education. In 1907 Maria Montessori opened Casa dei Bambini where she implemented and perfected these methods which are used in schools around the world today. (*6) -
John Piaget (1896-1980) and Construtive Learning Theory
John Piaget believed in a cognitive theory approach to learning. The constructive learning theory emphasizes active learning through experiences and reflecting on those experiences. Constructive teaching is used by teachers today, for example, when teaching about whales. Instead of telling students that a whale is about 1,000 feet long, a teacher can have children use measuring tapes and draw whales with chalk outside. -
Urie Bronfenbrenner (1917-2005) and Ecological Theory
Urie Bronfenbrenner believed in an ecological systems theory of child development. The theory explains how everything in a child and their environment affect how the child develops and grows. Through looking into the five environmental systems that influence children, educators can use this knowledge to "enhance positive experiences and minimize or eliminate negative environmental influences as well as negative social interactions." (*5) -
John Comenius (1592-1670)
John Comenius was an educational reformer who believed in sensory education, teaching through the senses. He is known for his methods of teaching as he focused on the mind of a child and the way one learned. In 1658 his book "Orbis Pictus" was published and is considered the first illustrated book for children. This book was widely published and influenced how children are taught and presented information today. (*1) -
Sputnik
In 1957 the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the worlds first satellite. In the U.S. the launch sparked a revolution in scientific education. It has also contributed to the building of technology for things we use today such as cellphones and GPS systems. -
Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act of 1965 included a provision that ended segregation in the education system based on color, race, religion or sex. It had a tremendous effect on schools by opening the doors to equal education for everyone. This change is proven today by the diversity in classrooms. (*3) -
Elementary and Second Education Act
The Elementary and Second Education Act (ESEA) was enacted in 1965. It is an educational law that shows a longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all students. It serves to fully fund primary and secondary education. Title I of the ESEA provides funds for low income families. The effects of the law can be seen today in classrooms that have children who's education is being funded by this law. -
Sources
(*1) Link text
(*2) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-sputnik-changed-america/
(*3) https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/civil-rights-act
(*4) http://www.pbs.org/onlyateacher/john.html
(*5) "Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education" by George S. Morrison; PG 100
(*6) https://amshq.org/Montessori-Education/History-of-Montessori-Education