The Modern School Movement (book) facts for kids
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First edition
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| Author | Paul Avrich |
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| Cover artist | Rockwell Kent, Boy and Leaping Stag - 1917 |
| Published | 1980 (Princeton University Press) |
| Pages | 480 |
| ISBN | 0-691-04669-7 |
| OCLC | 489692159 |
The Modern School Movement: Anarchism and Education in the United States is a history book written by Paul Avrich. It was published in 1980. The book tells the story of the Ferrer Schools in the United States. These schools were part of a movement that believed in a special kind of education. This education was inspired by ideas of freedom and self-governance, often called anarchism.
Contents
What Was the Modern School Movement?
The Modern School Movement was a group of schools in the United States. These schools were active in the early 1900s. They were inspired by a Spanish educator named Francisco Ferrer. He believed that education should be about freedom and critical thinking. The schools aimed to teach students to think for themselves. They wanted students to question things and learn by doing.
The Ideas Behind the Schools
The schools were based on the ideas of Francisco Ferrer. He started his first "Modern School" in Spain. Ferrer believed that traditional schools were too strict. He thought they made children just memorize facts. Instead, he wanted schools to help children develop their own ideas. He also wanted them to learn about fairness and cooperation.
The word "anarchism" might sound scary, but in this context, it means something specific. It refers to a political idea about how people can live together. It suggests that people can organize themselves without needing a government. This idea focuses on freedom, cooperation, and helping each other. The Modern Schools tried to put these ideas into practice. They wanted to create a place where students could learn freely.
Learning at Ferrer Schools
Ferrer Schools were different from regular schools. They often focused on hands-on learning. Students might learn through art, music, and practical skills. They were encouraged to discuss ideas and solve problems together. The teachers acted more like guides than strict bosses. The goal was to help students become independent thinkers. They also wanted students to be active and responsible members of their community.
The schools were often small and community-focused. They aimed to create a supportive environment. Students learned about science, history, and social justice. They were taught to question authority and think critically. This approach was very new for its time.
The Author: Paul Avrich
Paul Avrich was an American historian. He was known for his work on anarchism. He wrote many books about the history of anarchist movements. Avrich spent a lot of time researching his topics. He often used original documents and interviews. His book, The Modern School Movement, is an important work. It helps us understand this unique part of American history. It shows how ideas about freedom shaped education.
