The Patron Saint of Schools: St. John Bosco and the Corruption of Teaching and Learning

St. John Bosco is the patron saint of schools and educators. He was a 19th-century Italian priest who founded the Salesian order, which operates schools and youth centers around the world. Bosco is known for his work with poor and abandoned youth, and he is often credited with helping to reduce juvenile delinquency in Turin, Italy.

However, Bosco's legacy is not without controversy. Some critics argue that his educational methods were authoritarian and repressive, and that he promoted a narrow and rigid curriculum that stifled creativity and critical thinking. Others contend that Bosco's focus on piety and obedience led to a culture of fear and conformity in his schools.

John Dewey and the Decline of American Education: How Patron Saint Of Schools Has Corrupted Teaching & Learning

by Mark R. Warren

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Language	:	English
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In this article, we will examine the evidence for and against these criticisms. We will also explore the ways in which Bosco's educational methods have influenced contemporary education.

Bosco's Educational Methods

Bosco's educational methods were based on the principles of love, reason, and religion. He believed that students should be treated with respect and kindness, and that they should be encouraged to develop their intellectual and moral faculties.

Bosco also believed that education should be practical and relevant to the needs of students. He developed a curriculum that included both academic and vocational subjects, and he encouraged his students to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and music.

However, Bosco's educational methods were also authoritarian. He believed that students needed to be disciplined in order to learn, and he was not afraid to use corporal punishment.

Bosco's curriculum was also narrow and rigid. He focused on teaching students the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic, and he did not encourage them to question or challenge the status quo.

The Influence of Bosco's Educational Methods

Bosco's educational methods have had a significant influence on contemporary education. Many of the principles that he developed, such as the importance of love, reason, and religion, are still considered to be essential elements of a good education.

However, some of Bosco's methods, such as his use of corporal punishment and his narrow curriculum, have fallen out of favor.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to reform education and to make it more relevant to the needs of students. This movement has been influenced by the ideas of progressive educators such as John Dewey and Maria Montessori.

Progressive educators believe that students should be actively engaged in their learning and that they should be encouraged to think critically and creatively. They also believe that education should be individualized and that it should take into account the needs of each student.

The influence of progressive educators can be seen in many of the reforms that have been made to education in recent years. For example, corporal punishment has been banned in most schools, and curricula have been broadened to include a wider range of subjects.

St. John Bosco was a complex and controversial figure. His educational methods were both innovative and authoritarian, and they have had a significant influence on contemporary education.

While some of Bosco's methods have fallen out of favor, his principles of love, reason, and religion continue to be essential elements of a good education.

Further Reading

• The Salesian Family: St. John Bosco
• Loyola Press: St. John Bosco
• Catholic Online: St. John Bosco

Image Credits

• Image of St. John Bosco by Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P. https://www.flickr.com/photos/op-central/32968018251/ (CC BY-SA 2.0)
• Image of St. John Bosco School by Keith Allison http://www.flickr.com/photos/fortherock/7204195489/ (CC BY 2.0)

John Dewey and the Decline of American Education: How Patron Saint Of Schools Has Corrupted Teaching & Learning

by Mark R. Warren

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	446 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	200 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE