The 18th century was a massive a period of growth for America and particularly education was swept along with the surge. You need to be acquainted with the route American education extended and changed after its formation over the course of the 1700s in order to understand its development.
Stress on Science and Arts
At the start of the 18th century, a shift to an importance on science in the curriculum emerged slowly. The spiritual or religious rationalizations of the natural phenomenon were being queried slowly. In certain parts, mainly Pennsylvania became noteworthy hubs of scientific studies. The 18th-century changes in educational approach replicated the changing needs of American society as well. For example, in the American colonies, the theater arts were believed sinful. But after the 1730s, as society became more sophisticated and tastes changed, the requirement for live stage acting increased. This whole shift increased the popularity of theater and similarly, interest in the fine arts and classical music slowly boosted during this phase.
Evolution of Economy
The economy also developed as the colonies grew and changed into towns, cities, and states. “There was an increasing opinion that the Latin grammar schools were too selective and offered very little practical education,” says Sophia Jones, a History Essay Writer. This education was never adequate for an economy based on business and other professions. So the pressure was created on the education system to offer more of practical education that would provide occupational and business expertise to people.
A Precursor of the Modern University
The increase in higher learning was the outcome of the need for more practical education. Benjamin Franklin was the precursor of the modern university who founded the first academy that was chartered in 1749 and opened in 1751. This academy then became the University of Pennsylvania in 1791. Academies were fundamentally private secondary schools that presented a wide series of subjects and practical training.
Simply, they merged characteristics of both the Latin and English grammar schools and the curriculum included courses in mathematics, languages, astronomy, dramatics, agriculture, and navigation.
The Education of Ethnic Minorities
The education of African and Native Americans was limited in the 18th century. For the slaves in America, the education was firmly prohibited by the law. As early as 1704, the Anglican Church did establish schools for the religious education of minorities but even these attempts were irregular, unsupported, or not maintained.
Grammar Schools
To bring more practical education system, the introduction of English grammar schools was the big response. “These schools provided students who needed education beyond elementary school but who did not plan to go to college,” an educator for Assignment Help, states. Students were taught courses in the dance, art, music also. These English grammar schools were the first secondary schools to admit both girls and boys.
Flourishing Academies
Since academies were not bound to religious influence, they were free to develop unfettered. As the industries grew, private academies flourished and they gave admission to both boys and girls. Though these academies focused on practical features of education, the elements of traditional curriculum persisted to surface.
The 18th century cultivated the seeds that would develop into the formation of the industrial revolution and beyond. To get complete and documented essay about the American education and where it emerged from, ask Anna Bella, a content writer at Custom Essay Writer for the assistance.
About Author
Anna Bella, is a content writer at Assignment Help Australia.
