Theories Of Horace Mann Theory In Education

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Horace Mann was a politician in Massachusetts but he was also known for reforming education. He entrenched the idea of schools becoming instrumental moreover developing various theories on the education system. Although these theories are all distinct from each other, they all boil down to the concept of everyone having an equal opportunity in education. Education was viewed to be the ultimate equalizer. When in school, everyone was considered to have an equal opportunity at succeeding, which later on developed into the concept of no child is left behind. Certain theories are often applied in the education today while the rest have been modified to fit todays society. One of Horace Mann’s theories was the theory of value. In the theory of …show more content…

Within this theory Horace Man discussed about who he believed was fit to teach as well as what the curriculum would acquire. When discussing who would be fit to teach, Mann believed females were preferable in teaching younger children oppose to males. Horace Mann said, “ … females are incomparably better teachers for young children then males…their manners are more mild and gentile, and hence in consonance with the tenderness of childhood.” In education today, this theory does not hold any truth; any gender has the capability of teaching younger children. Although females have a nurturing instinct, more males are joining the field of early childhood education. Society today is straying away from the typical stereotype of a childhood teacher. Gender is not what makes an exceptional teacher; a superb teacher is one who is capable of leading their students into success as well as helping them grow as individuals. Along with explaining who is fit to teach, Horace Mann spoke about the curriculum. Horace emphasized on spelling, arithmetic, music and physical education. He trusted the idea of these main concepts to help not only a citizen’s position in life but also help society grow as one. In education today, the curriculum shown in schools, help the individual flourish in society. Although part of Horace’s theory of transmission is not used in education today, the portion of the curriculum he emphasized on is …show more content…

In this theory, Horace spoke about everyone having an opportunity of gaining power through education. If it were viewed as a mathematical equation, education would equal power under the theory of knowledge. With education, Horace imposed the idea of someone being in charge of their destiny, how their life would pan out. Those who were educated had a greater chance when competing with others in society. In education today, this theory is viewed to correct. Those who go to school to study for a career, having a higher chance of becoming successful oppose to someone who did not take the opportunity to go to school. When someone obtains a certain degree, they have the power of steering their life in the direction they want it to go. They are given the opportunity to make something out of their life doing what they are most passionate about. Those who are educated are not contained in a box where they have no choice in choosing their destiny. The theory of knowledge will continue to be evident throughout the education system in generations to

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