One of the most interesting ideas within the chapter is presented by Noah Webster’s educational ideology. In today’s society, there is a gradual change towards diversity within the school setting, something that according to Webster was not the main goal of education. Even though there are few remnants of his perspective in today’s school, American education is not “thought” to be a place to indoctrinate political or religious loyalties. In contrast, Jefferson’s belief of schooling was to create active thinkers and the purpose of education was to give the tools for such. This is an important aspect of education because you have to present students the tools to form their own opinions and question their environment, not simply mold them to think a specific way.
Like stated in the book, in the early 19th century there were many concerns about the college curriculum. Colleges were often guided by their sectarian preference and what type of student they catered to. However, as society evolved and emphasis on the sciences grew, the curriculum changed in the hope of educating individuals that are in tune with the changing times. Can these colleges truly emphasize practical education without being influenced by denominational or political ambitions? Was college education readily available to any talented or competent individual? Is it today?
