Module One: The Significancy of Education

     I have always been interested in understanding the history of communities, countries, and systems that are still around to this day. While reading chapter one of School, the author discussed the battles faced when creating an established education system. From the early 16th century, society in England began to realize the significance of education during one's childhood, but they were concerned about what subject children would study. According to Doctor of Philosophy Peter Gray, "Much of the impetus for universal education came from the emerging Protestant religions... Luther and other leaders of the Reformation promoted public education as Christian duty..." (Gray, "A Brief History of Education"). The Lutheran church was in charge of running schools as Martin Luther declared that each person must understand the Scriptures to earn their salvation. As a result, Americans began to follow in the footsteps of England and Germany during the 17th century. 

    Children in Massachusetts during the 1690's began to read the New England Primer, known as the "Little Bible of New England", as it included short rhymes and prayers to instill a fear of God (Gray, "A Brief History of Education"). As America continued to evolve over time, the view of school changed to catered to the industrialization. Employers believed schooling was crucial to teach punctuality, labor tolerance, and following directions. National leaders saw school as a great way to create good patriots and future leaders who understood "...the necessity to defend the nation from evil forces elsewhere" (Gray, "A Brief History of Education").  However, there were reformers that cared about children and creating a safe space for them in schools. 

    These reformers wanted to focus on providing lessons of morals subjects that would exercises their minds, such as Latin and mathematics. The challenging subjects enabled them to explore the world but children also faced punishments and challenges in school. Gray describes the consequences students faced as he states, "...to make children learn in school the children's willfulness would have to be beaten out of them. Punishments of all sorts were understood as intrinsic to the educational process" (Gay, "A Brief History of Education"). Children in some schools were not given a recess period as many believed that play was the enemy of learning. 

    A challenge faced in the education system was the inequality based on race, wealth, and gender. At the beginning of chapter one in School, the author focuses on the actions of smaller communities when deciding who would be able to attend school for ten to twelve weeks. Ultimately, boys were favored over girls and they weighed out those who were born into a wealthy family over those who are in poor families. Despite the issues still faced in the education system, I am glad it has evolved and become more inclusive as humans are exposed to many cultures, ethnicities, and genders. I am able to pursue a major that I have chosen, despite my race and gender, and I am able to share the space with a diverse group of people. 

Work Cited: 

    Gray, P. (2008, August 20). Brief History of Education [web log]. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn/200808/brief-history-education.