Experimental Schools in Germany in the Eighteenth Century

Abstract

Hofwyl (I8o6-I844) in Switzerland are other examples of the widespread influence which practical experimentation on a small scale may have. Before Pestalozzi organized his schools, there was a very important and influential movement organized in Germany to carry out some of the practical reforms in methods of teaching which had been suggested in Rousseau's Emile. These reforms were successfully realized in certain experimental schools, one of which (Salzman's) continued in operation for over a century. In this school, methods of instruction in connection with physical education, nature-study, school gardening, geographical and other ' In the last two volumes of the Elementary School Teacher, a number of articles appeared which were intended to illustrate a method of teaching the history of education by emphasizing school practice in its relation to social conditions. This is the eighth article in this series. A textbook entitled A History of Modern Elementary Education, constructed on these principles by the same author, will appear in the near future.

The Philosophy of Physical Education and Sport from Ancient Times to the Enlightenment

“…Those reforms were successfully realised in certain experimental schools, one of which (Salzmann's) continued in operation for over a century (Parker, 1912). Philanthropists who have contributed to the development of educational science have as their ideal the provision of enlightened education for citizens, and the world and life were considered in their perspective of serving a certain, beneficial practice.…”

“…At this school, physical education, nature study, school gardening, and geographical and other excursions, etc. were organised more effectively than in any other school since that time (Parker, 1912).…”