Born one year after Columbus "discovered" America, and living in the age of Henry VIII, Juan Luis Vives 1493-1540 was a Spanish philosopher thought by some to be the "father" of modern psychology. You can also describe him as one of the "fathers" of progressive education.
He was raised in schools where Latin was spoken in and out of the classroom, but saw and testified to the value of teaching in the vernacular, the common language spoken by common folk. He also promoted the importance of learning from real life. He wrote of the importance of nature studies, field trips, and modifying lessons to meet the interests and understanding of the children being taught.
He also wrote of the importance of students putting what they learned into practical use. His writings were of importance to Comenius as quoted here:
"Theory," says Vives,"is easy and short, but has no result other than the gratification that it affords. Practice on the other hand, is difficult and prolix, but is of immense utility." Since this is so, we should diligently seek out a method by which the young may be easily led to the practical application of natural forces, which is to be found in the arts. -- John Amos Comenius (1592-1670)
Vives fits into the long line of progressive educators. In fact, a direct line of influence can be drawn from Vives, to Comenius, to Pestalozzi, to Froebel, to Cygnaeus, to Salomon, to Dewey and beyond, landing at our very own Clear Spring School. Why is this important? To discover ourselves within a lineage gives strength and clarity, and makes available to us centuries of ground breaking thought.
Make, fix and create... Assist others in learning likewise.
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