Johann Bernhard Basedow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johann Bernhard Basedow
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Johann Bernhard Basedow
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| Born | September 11, 1724 Hamburg
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| Died | July 25, 1790 (aged 65) Magdeburg
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Johann Bernhard Basedow (born September 11, 1724 – died July 25, 1790) was a German teacher, writer, and a big thinker who wanted to change how kids were taught. He started a special school called the Philanthropinum in Dessau. Even though it didn't last super long, it was very important and changed how people thought about education. He also wrote a famous picture book for children called "Elementarwerk".
Contents
Early Life and Education
Basedow was born in Hamburg, Germany. His father made wigs. Johann's childhood wasn't very happy. When he was 14, he ran away from home. He found a job working for a doctor in Holstein.
The doctor noticed how smart Johann was. He sent Johann back home with a letter. This letter convinced Johann's parents to let him go to school. He studied at the Johanneum in Hamburg. There, he was taught by a wise man named H.S. Reimarus.
In 1744, Basedow went to the University of Leipzig. He planned to study religion, but he changed his mind. He became very interested in philosophy, which is about big ideas and how we think. This made him question his own beliefs. He decided not to become a religious leader. Instead, he wanted to bring about big changes and reforms.
Becoming a Teacher and Professor
From 1749 to 1753, Basedow worked as a private tutor. He taught the son of a nobleman in Borghorst, Holstein. He came up with new ways to teach. He used conversations and games to help the child learn. He also focused on physical activities.
His methods were very successful. He wrote a paper about them in 1752. He presented it to the University of Kiel and earned a Master of Arts degree.
In 1753, Basedow became a professor in Denmark. He taught about good behavior and literature. He was a very popular teacher. However, he had strong, new ideas that went against traditional thinking. He wrote a book in 1758 called "Practical Philosophy." In it, he shared his different religious views.
Because of his ideas, he was moved to Altona in 1761. His published works caused problems with the traditional religious leaders there. He was told he couldn't teach anymore, but he still got his salary. By 1767, he decided to focus all his energy on education reform in Germany.
The Elementary Book and Philanthropinum School
In 1768, Basedow was greatly inspired by Rousseau's ideas on education. He published a book called "Idea to philanthropists for schools." In this book, he suggested big changes for schools. He wanted to improve teaching methods. He also wanted to create a place to train teachers.
Basedow asked people who loved humanity (called philanthropists) for money. He wanted to print a new, illustrated book. This book would explain his ideas in detail. He believed that everyone in society should help improve education. He wanted to stop harsh treatment of students. He also wanted to use new teaching materials and books.
Wealthy people who cared about helping others supported his project. He raised a lot of money. In 1774, he published "Elementarwerk" (Elementary Book). It came in four volumes with pictures by Daniel Chodowiecki. This book was a complete guide for early education. It aimed to make children smarter and connect them with real things, not just words. It was the first picture textbook for kids since "Orbis Pictus" in 1664. There was also a "Method Book" to help teachers and parents.
The support from these "friends of humanity" made Basedow a leader in the philanthropic movement. He created the first clear idea of philanthropy in education. This support was key to making his education reforms happen.
Basedow was friends with Goethe. Through Goethe, he met Prince Franz of Anhalt-Dessau. The Prince strongly supported Basedow's plans. He agreed to help start a new school called the Philanthropinum in Dessau.
The school opened in December 1774. Its main idea was "everything according to nature." Rich and poor students were taught together. The lessons were practical and taught in German, not Latin or Greek. Students learned crafts. There was a lot of focus on games and physical exercise. School uniforms were simple and comfortable.
Even though the school only lasted until 1793, it had a huge impact. It inspired many similar schools in Germany and other countries.
Later Life
Unfortunately, Basedow was not the best person to run a school. He needed to be very organized and patient, but he wasn't. He often argued with his colleagues. In 1778, he stepped down as the school's director.
Basedow married Gertrude Elizabeth Hammer. He had several children, including Antonie Luise Emilie von Basedow, Ludwig von Basedow, and Henriech Josias von Basedow.
Johann Bernhard Basedow died in Magdeburg in 1790.
See also
- Philanthropinum
- Philanthropinism
