I found it interesting to see the effects of Noah Websters’ work on the nationalism created in school systems. His creation of American language and spelling books helped form a dominant English-speaking, Protestant, Anglo-American culture we have today through our school systems. His work focused mostly on patriotism rather than children’s own beliefs. I find it interesting how this was evident in our past education where we would perform the pledge of allegiance and other activities.
With the work of Webster which is still evident in our school systems today i wonder how we are such an individualistic nation as opposed to a collectivist one.
Jefferson’s educational plan comprised of two ideas which was preparing the citizen and the preparing the political leader. He thought of the two, preparing the citizen was most important. I agree with jefferson’s take on allowing children to form their own opinions.
I would like to know what do how do contemporary schools choose what is the most important criteria to include in preparing individuals. Is it based on preparing young to be competitive among nations ?
