SIR Social Sciences Investigation Abstract
EDUCATION IN THE GERMAN REFORMATION
Presenter:
Emily J. Breckenfelder, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor:
Dr. Lee Eysturlid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Abstract:
Luther's reformation began as a religious movement; however, as it gained popularity, the new religion's scope expanded to confront more secular, rather than theological, issues. The close link between the Catholic Church and the governments needed to be replaced. The masses needed to be comforted from the shock of change. This social reformation affected all aspects of society, including education.
Since most parents were not to provide an adequate education, local governments and the Lutheran church took control of education. By the 1530s the government was using political force to ensure school attendance. A public primary and secondary school system, aimed at picking out talented boys was built. By the 1560s and 1570s the integrated school system was completed. Documents such as Schulordnungen regulated teaching and learning.
Within the curriculum, grammar was central because of its strict rules and emphasis on drills and memorization. Students memorized the Catechism, passages from the Bible and moral teachings while learning to read and write. These schools aimed at indoctrinating the young with a sense of morals and virtues. The question remains: how did these new evangelical schools affect learning and education?