I learned of this book a couple of weeks ago while viewing an educational documentary on YouTube. The host of the program introduced this book as "the most important educational book ever written." At only 90 pages, it certainly isn't very long. However, after reading it, I almost agree with the host of the documentary. It certainly is a book worth reading; twice. In addition, it sheds light on why our current educational system is flawed, and why it can't be fixed with the programs and arduous initiatives set forth by the state and federal educational agencies. I will not go into details, but this is a must read for anyone interested in improving our educational system.Wilhelm Maximilian Wundt is not a name typically heard within the walls of academia; particularly in the realm of public education. However, look closer and you learn that Wundt is considered an iconic figure; a trailblazer in terms of introducing "Modern Education" to the masses.
This book outlines how psychology framed and structured our modern educational system. From the curriculum that is in place, to the strategies used to teach children in this country, Wundt can be traced to the heart of the matter.
"We shall not try to make these people or any of thier children into philosophers or men of learning, or men of science. We have not to raise up from among them authors, editors, poets or men of letters. We shall not search for embryo great artists, painters, musicians, nor lawyers, doctors, preachers, politicians, statesmen, of whom we have an ample supply.
The task we set before ourselves is very simple as well as a very beautiful one, to train these people as we find them to a perfectly ideal life just where they are....."Ever wonder why our ancestors commanded a use of the English language far superior to our own? One doesn't have to look far to determine that our current educational system in place is oppressing the masses; producing thousands of illiterate high school graduates who do not stand a chance of succeeding in higher education. This is exactly what those in power set out to do in the 1800s; and they succeeded.
"The Lincoln School, despite its inability to teach its students how to read and write, created broad effects on American education. Discarding the traditional course of study, it developed the core curriculum and merged the study of history, geography and civics into what it called the 'social studies.' To a generation of teachers and administrators educated at Teachers College, the Lincoln School was a model for the type of school they were to create back home."
