Lingua Translations

A Concise History of Education of Teachers, of Teacher Training and Teaching

Western history of teacher training, education history, teaching theories, education of teachers, modern history od education, began in early 18th century Germany: teaching seminaries educating teachers were the first formal teacher training in Western history of education and teaching.

(History of education had 2nd century-BC Greek Spartan free public education, Athenian Academy until age 18 and higher Academy and Lyceum; Roman private formal schooling in tiers; China’s 1st century-BC administrator examinations; 1st century Jewish informal Cul’ Tura general education; Islam’s 9th century universities [madrasahs]; 16th century Aztec mandatory teen education; 18th century Russian nation-wide education, Poland’s Education Ministry, Chez ‘teacher of nations’ Comenius’s ‘Didactica Magna’ on universal education [compulsory, certified teachers, tests]; leading later Western history of education –17th century Scotland’s free education, 18th’s Norway’s mandatory literacy and  New Zealand’s standard education, 21st’s Europe’s Bologna process equalising educational qualifications.)

Teacher education and training, first teacher training college in French  history of education and history of teaching, Jean Babtiste de la Salle’s 18th century Brothers of the Christian schools, had non-clerical male teachers teaching poor and middle class children. Based on Greek philosophers’ philosophy of education and teaching, re-introduced by Islam, spirituality was not its only reason, basis of education. Teacher education and training had been clerical –this was Western history of education’s first secular teacher training college.

The Art of Teaching
I’ve been contemplating the art of teaching. I myself have taught various movement arts, including yoga, fitness and dance for over 24 years. I am also a student of these disciplines. I’ve attended countless seminars, workshops, retreats and schools in my disciplines of choice. I’ve read books, magazines, traditional texts, and online snippets in an effort to deepen my knowledge and refine my teaching skills. I’ve noticed that some teachers, authors and dancers resonate strongly and drive their point home with efficiently and authenticity. Others seem to fall flat.

Spotting a Good Teacher:
You can recognize gifted teachers immediately. For one, they seem to choose their words carefully. Their sentences spring forth like arrows that land squarely in the heart of each student. It’s apparent when you have been with a good teacher because you feel inexplicably changed in some way. Good teachers have a strange way of following you home. Even after you finish the book, place the CD in its case or pass through the exit doors of the seminar they stay in your head and continue to teach. As you practice your art, their words often stream back into your consciousness and help you to refine your understanding of the art form and unravel layers of meaning.