“Change is the only constant” – Heraclitus, Philosopher
It goes without saying if anything has remained constant over the time, then it is none other than the “change” itself. Talking of the education scenario, if we are to highlight the changing phase of academic learning, then it is to be noted that there has been a major advancement in this sector from the 19th to 21st century. From Sunday schools to educational institutions supported by church, and establishment of scientific, commercial and agricultural schoolhouses across the globe, the change in education standards have certainly appeared to be a remarkable thing. Earlier in the 19th century, students were not exposed to enough options and academic courses. However, with changing times and with the creation of demand in the field of various professional sectors, the 21st century education is bringing forth lots of prospective platforms for every potential student.
Until the year 1867, women were not allowed to take admissions in university examinations in England. It was in the year 1871 Miss Clough came up with a platform for the female students in Cambridge. It was eventually named as the Newnham College in the year 1875. This indeed is one of the major and remarkable advancements people have seen over the time, which in the long run might have inspired others to become more flexible and liberal in establishing universities and other educational institutes for women across the globe.
With each passing day and emergence of the new-age laws and reforms, the education standard has seen a major change in the field of communication as well. Talking of the 21st century scenario, all it would take is just a phone call or single click of your mouse button to get in touch with the educational heads and regulatory officers associated with a particular institute.
Government and the officials associated with the Ministry of Education of different countries have eventually come up with reformative measures and invested sufficient resource and fund in the sector of education. This as a result has made the entire education standard across the globe a progressive one from every potential aspect. If you choose to explore the context further, then it can be seen that the concept of free education has also helped a particular strata of every society from being deprived of the basic education.
During the 19th century, there were one-room schooling systems prevalent in the American rural regions. Teachers used to teach subjects such as Arithmetic, Geography, History, reading and writing to the prospective students. A class normally used to comprise of students ranging from 6 to 40. The scenario has, however, changed over the time and people have started considering things at a much wider aspect, with developments in the sector of rural education.
Earlier, transportation was a major limitation in the field of education. The modes of transportation were either not feasible or available in wide number. This was the reason students living within 4 miles away from the schoolhouse were able to attend classes only. But in today’s world of technological advancement and better modes of commutation, limitations concerning transportation no longer keep students away from attending classes. From buses to taxis and trains to pool-cars, there has been a huge change and promising developments in this field. And especially for those who provide economics tuition Singapore, there is a great demand these days. Many have found the best economics tuition provided by Mr Kelvin Hong, The Economics Tutor.
In the 19th and late 20th century, students were mostly devoid of the basic school supplies. There were only chalks and slates, and the students were supposed to manage academic learning with these basic tools. However, things changed for good and eventually the concept of ink-pens penetrated in various strata of society, hence making it easier for pupils to read, learn and write.
The method of teaching and learning were also different from 21st century. Earlier, the stronger and older students were taught academic lessons directly by the teacher and they used to teach younger and weaker students after being taught with the same. This practice was prevalent mainly in the Lancasterian or Monitorial system. It has eventually developed into a better teaching and learning system where teachers are supposed to address their lesson to the whole class. From black/green boards to projectors, and online tutorial solutions; there’s has been a promising advancement in the field of educational equipment and modes of teaching.
Another interesting aspect of the education standards of the 19th century was that the teachers, at times, used to live with the family of their students. This practice was known as the “boarding round” and the teachers were supposed to move from one student’s place to another, week after week. Well, in the 21st century, teachers are no more required to visit and stay at their students’ place, thanks to the private tutorials and in-house teaching aids available these days.
It is also to be noted that the lessons taught during the period of 19th century were different from the recent scenario. As mentioned above “reading” and “writing” were considered as subjects and students were taught how to master the technicalities associated. In addition to academic reading and academic writing, grammar and rhetoric were also taught. Students were supposed to memorize the lessons taught, and then they were asked to stand in front of the class and explain what they learned. Although this practice is still prevalent in some of the institutions till date, we can say that the introduction to this way of teaching and to recite what has been taught was made long back in the 19th century.
Similarly, there was no lunch provided by the schoolhouses back in the 19th century. Even if the families of certain students could afford the same, they were not allowed the privilege. Lunch was brought in metal pails and students used to drink water from bucket using the same tin can used by other students. Well it is pretty evident how things have changed over the time and the modern day students can feast away to glory on their favorite hamburgers and finger chips brought from fast food outlets.
Thus, to conclude, it is to be mentioned that education is one of those sectors and a major concerning topic which should always remain progressive and open to helpful advancements. It is to be remembered that lack of education can end up ruining a nation’s prospect in a lot of unwelcoming ways.