A glimpse into the lives and accomplishments of three men who influenced American education: William C. Bagley = Essentialist Carl Rogers = Humanist Mortimer Adler = Perrenialist
Development of teacher education Educative Process Kappa Delta Pi Journal of Educational Psychology Determinism in Education Professor of Education, Normal School Administration Teachers College, Columbia University 1895 – Graduated from Michigan Agricultural University 1898 – Master’s Degree in Psychology 1900 – Ph.D. in Education and Psychology from Cornell University
Critic and Supporter of John Dewey’s - Progressive Education Theory Popularized the term “Essentialism” The importance of the curriculum The teachers role in education Advocated a moderate, balanced approach to education Professor of education for nearly 50 years Authored and coauthored more than 30 books Published more than 400 journal articles and editorials
1924 – Undergrad from University of Wisconsin 1928 – Master’s Degree, 1931 – Ph.D. from Teachers’ College, Columbia University Developed The Person-centered approach Removing obstacles so client can move forward Frees client for normal growth and development Emphasizes being fully present with client Empowering individuals to achieve their full potential Pioneered the move away from traditional psychoanalysis
Focus on the relationship between the teacher and the student We cannot teach another person directly we can only facilitate his learning The student knows better how to proceed than the teacher He wrote 16 books and more than 200 professional articles Some critics say that trusting the individual for self help will not work Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with national intergroup conflict in South Africa and Northern Ireland
Adler became advocate for economic democracy Philosophy based on education of local man, not corporate officials No desire to impress academia Perrenialist / Focus on curriculum of ultimate importance Focus on Great Works – three criteria Contemporary Significance – relevance to problems/issues of our times Inexhaustible – can be read again and again with benefit Relevant to large number of ideas and issues 102 Great Ideas Dropped out of school at age 14, but later attended night school Attended Columbia University but did not graduate (shy one credit for PE) Eventually received Ph.D. in Philosophy from Columbia University
Paideia Program designed to make students & teachers think Lecture Coaching Session Seminar-Discussion Paideia Principles designed to prepare children for life All children can learn All deserve the same quality of schooling Influence on life-long learning “No one can be fully educated in school, no matter how long the schooling or how good it is.” Mortimer Adler
Contributions How did they impact us? › Bagley, father of Essentialism › Rogers, father of student-centered philosophy › Adler, father of Great Books programs