The Value in Combining Goals with Dreams
Education is the foundation of skills, bringing our passions and love of learning to life. Whatever your study or life goals, there is always a personal ambition that demands the dedication and hard work required to make them a reality.
TED Speaker and Educator Dr Julie Connor once said, “Goals without a dream are like arrows without a target”, before exploring the idea of pursuing your passion being the result of trial and error. Likewise, the following teachers’ journeys of influence started in ambiguous situations, going on to pave the way for students, parents and educators for centuries to come.
William Holmes McGuffey (Literacy)
A man who started his career with little formal education, William McGuffey’s passion for teaching started at fourteen, when his teaching career began. While teaching, he would study with private tutors at various colleges throughout North America to develop his knowledge of philosophy and language.
McGuffey’s love of education led him to assist teachers in the public education system, and establish a school for neighbourhood children in his own home. Suffice to say, McGuffey felt strongly about the value of education – so much so, that his experience led to the development of the now-famous McGuffey Readers.
The series of textbooks followed a steady progression for reading and writing, beginning with phonics and the alphabet, to the improvement of vocabulary through the context of poems and stories. Also featuring read-alouds and encouraging question-time after reading a text, McGuffey Readers readily fortified students to interact with their study of English on a whole new level – and one we still implement today.
Pythagoras (Mathematics)
A teacher best known for his ground-breaking mathematics and philosophical teachings, there are few students today who have not heard of Pythagoras.
To refresh your memory, the mathematical formula known as Pythagorean Theorem indicates that the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. We apply this formula in various aspects of daily life, including the measuring of distance and space, as seen in the design and construction of the buildings we see or use every day.
While little is known (or rather, confirmed with primary evidence) about Pythagoras’ early life, we can be certain that his teachings – both in mathematics and philosophy, continue to be greatly influential upon Secondary and Tertiary students, as well as teachers and professors worldwide.
Maria Montessori – Pioneering Methods in Education
Maria Montessori, nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times, is a well-known figure in the field of education. As the only female student at an all-boys school in Italy, Montessori became one of the country’s first doctors, with a keen interest in child education.
The Montessori Method of Learning
Montessori first applied her educational theories at Casa del Bambini, the daycare she established. She believed that children could teach themselves if given the right foundation. The Montessori Method encourages discovery learning, which has been adopted by schools globally.
Montessori’s Impact on Special Needs Education
Montessori advocated for children with special needs, believing their ‘poor behavior’ was due to a lack of educational support. This groundbreaking perspective continues to influence special education today.
Global Influence of Montessori’s Work
Even in her later years, during her house arrest under the British government, Montessori continued to develop her educational approach. Her method, including Cosmic Education for students aged 6-12, remains a strong foundation in education systems worldwide.
We here at Choice Education understand that education is a great foundation for bringing your personal passions to life. That’s why we believe in offering you access to world-class online tutors who will help you to realise and develop the skills integral to achieving the results we all desire.
Our enthusiastic and dedicated English, Maths and Science Tutors are ready to enhance your study skills today, and guide you towards the achievement of the Scholarship you seek, establish good study habits for test preparation, or simply work towards improving in your area of need.
To find out more, visit https://www.choiceeducationgroup.com/our-services and contact us today.
Sources:
Dr Julie Connor
https://drjulieconnor.com/talk-to-youth-about-dreams/
McGuffey Readers
https://www.britannica.com/topic/McGuffey-Readers
Pythagorean Theorem
https://www.ancient.eu/Pythagoras/
Montessori Method