Prussian Schools Influence on Mann




While visiting schools Horace Mann was impressed with the Prussian schools. The schools had women teachers and they were educated in how to teach children. These schools did not believe in corporal punishment as a means of discipline. The students took pleasure in learning. Prussian schools had a high rate of attendance because children loved school. American schools were not manditory and children were frequently absent.



Prussian school teachers were highly qualified to teach. Women developed skills in pedagogy and classroom management by attending Normal schools. Prussian women went to two year universities to learn how to teach. Prussian schools were set up to develop children and prepare them for higher learning or a career in teaching.



Mann considered Children as rational beings capable of reason. He did not believe in beating children to make them obey. He felt that it was the teachers responsiblity to prevent violations of misbehavior. He believed children needed to understand the rules and laws in order to have to know what was expected.

He believed teachers needed to understand the learning process and be educated in common school curriculm. Higher education needed to be established in this country in order for teachers to learn how to teach classroom management, curriculm, and classroom organization.

Mann believed that teachers should be positive role models and should conduct their private lives showing strong moral character.

Prussian schools had a positive influencem on Mann as he brought his reform plans back to America.


References:

Brouillette, M. (1999). The 1830's and 1840: Horace Mann the end of Free-Market Education, and the Rise of Government Schools . Mackinac Center for Public Policy. retrieved from
http://www.mackinac.org/2035