Suchergebnisse

Chronicles the history of public education in Germany from the foundation of the first universities in the 14th century to the present, highlighting issues of (1) state & church power, (2) hierarchical organization, (3) goals & curricula, (4) social function, & (5) pedagogies & politics. It is shown how the schools served to preserve social segmentation based on the principle of "occupational estates" (Berufsstande), through which, following elementary education at the Volksschules, the lower classes were steered into vocational training while the middle & upper classes enjoyed an education at gymnasiums (secondary schools) that allowed them entrance into bourgeoisie society or membership in the aristocracy as educated elite. Changes in educational policy under National Socialism & during the post-WWII period are outlined, tracing the development of more equal educational opportunities for all children. A call is made for continued educational reform to more closely link general & vocational education so as to improve coordination between education & employment. K. Hyatt Stewart