The Evolution of Educational Theory in the United States / Edition 1

by Dickson Mungazi [Deceased]

Overview

There is no better way to understand a society's assessment of its own success or failure than an examination of its theories of education, because any attempt to improve national performance will be reflected in educational policy. This study is a comprehensive account of the evolution of American educational theory from the colonial period to the present. It includes a broad discussion of the foundations upon which early Americans built their educational policy, as well as influential factors unique to the American experience. From the Revolution to nineteenth century reform efforts to the turbulent twentieth century, educational theory has been adapted to suit the needs of an ever-changing, multicultural society.

Throughout U.S. history key objectives have affected the character of education, particularly curriculum. One main thrust for reform has been the belief that equality in education serves the national interest. Examination of the historical attitudes toward the education of African Americans provides a valuable insight into this process. Today America is experiencing significant difficulties in making its educational system succeed, and the negative social effects of this deterioration are already apparent. The future success of educational theory lies in international cooperative efforts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275961305
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	01/30/1999
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.75(d)
Lexile:	1400L (what's this?)

About the Author

DICKSON A. MUNGAZI is Regent's Professor of History at the Center for Excellence in Education at Northern Arizona University. He is the author of numerous books on African political history and education, including The Mind of Black Africa (Praeger, 1996), Educational Reform and the Transformation of Southern Africa (Praeger, 1997), and The Last Defenders of the Laager: Ian D. Smith and F.W. de Klerk (Praeger, 1997).

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
Origins of Theory of Western Education
Theory During the Colonial Period
Theory During the Revolutionary Period
Theory During Common School Movement
Theory of Secondary, Higher, and Teacher Education
The Courts and Theory of Education for African Americans
Theory to Address National Problems: From Warren Harding to Bill Clinton
The Evolution of Educational Theory: Summary, Conclusions, and Implications
Selected Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Traces the evolution of the theory of education in the US from the beginning of the colonial period to the present. Mungazi (history, Northern Arizona U.) begins with a discussion of the evolution of theory in ancient Greece and then moves on to cover the influence of educational institutions in medieval Europe, the inception of formal education, the nature of the colonial society, and the impact of religion on both education and society. He also discusses educational objectives as an outcome of theory and examines how objectives determine the character of education. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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