Outlines of Educational DoctrineHerbart, Johann Friedrich
Philosophy
Outlines of Educational Doctrine
Herbart, Johann Friedrich
Education -- Philosophy
If there is a defect in Herbart’s scheme of interests as a guide
to the selection of the studies of the curriculum, it lies in the
fact that the interests named are too exclusively applied to the
pupil’s individual life, and not enough to his life as a member
of the social whole. There is an important sense in which even
natural science, which may be expected to cultivate the speculative
interests, is social; for science becomes truly significant only
when it contributes to the service of men. The fact that we now live
in an industrial age, that life is preserved from disease in so large
a measure, that the well-being of every community is advancing so
rapidly, that universal education is now a fact rather than a dream,
is due to the application of science to human welfare. Consequently,
we are not restricted to a few humanitarian topics, like history and
literature, for the development of our social interests. We find that
every study has its sociological as well as its personal bearings. On
the other hand, since all studies are both subjective and objective
in the interests they arouse, it would be possible to awaken all the
six classes of interest enumerated by teaching but a fraction of
what we now consider needful in a good curriculum. It would seem,
therefore, that the six classes of interest, at best, indicate what
the _quality_ of our teaching should be, not with sufficient accuracy
_what_ subjects should be taught. The latter is determined quite as
much by social as by psychological needs.
SECTION III
TRAINING
CHAPTER I
=The Relation of Training to Government and to Instruction=
136. Training looks toward the pupil’s future. It is founded on hope,
and shows itself, to begin with, in patience. It tempers government,
the object of which might perhaps be realized more speedily by greater
rigor. It moderates even instruction in case the latter puts too great
a strain upon the pupil. But it also combines with government as well
as instruction, and lightens their work.
Training consists primarily in a certain personal attitude, identical
if possible with a kind way of treating pupils. This implies readiness
on the part of the teacher to listen to the wishes and utterances of
the pupil, who, in the midst of strangers, looks to his teacher (and to
the family in charge of his education) for sympathy and support. But
training becomes active where the pupil needs help, especially help
against his own weaknesses and faults, which might frustrate the hopes
centred in him.
137. Training insists on becoming conduct; it encourages cheerfulness
of disposition. In either case it remains within limits compatible
with the occupations connected with government and instruction. The
pupil is never to lose sight of the subject on which he is engaged; it
would be bad if a desire to show off, or to amuse himself, should take
possession of him and cause him to forget his work.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account