I’ve recently learned something about the theories and works of a little-known philosopher and educationalist named John Comenius (1592-1670).  He was a Czech cleric perhaps best remembered for his progressive theories on universal education.  Some exposure to his ideas made me realize just how out of focus the educational system is here in the United States.

In Comenius’s time, illiteracy was the rule in perhaps a majority of Europeans.  He spent decades traveling around Europe to promote educational reform, and to attempt to bring the art of instruction in line with modern realities.

Continue reading →