LANCASTRIAN SYSTEM Meaning and
Definition
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The Lancastrian system refers to an educational method implemented in the mid-19th century, pioneered by the English educational reformer Joseph Lancaster. This system aimed to provide education to a large number of children at once, using a monitorial approach.
In the Lancastrian system, a competent teacher or "master" was responsible for instructing a group of more advanced students, known as "monitors." These monitors, in turn, were tasked with teaching groups of younger students, known as "pupils" or "disciples." This hierarchical approach allowed for the education of a substantial number of students with limited resources.
The Lancastrian system emphasized discipline and strict control within the classroom. Monitors were required to master and teach specific subjects, following a pre-determined curriculum. They conveyed lessons to the pupils through repetition and memorization, fostering a regimented learning environment. Teachers occasionally administered examinations to evaluate the progress of both the monitors and the pupils.
Due to its cost-efficient nature, the Lancastrian system was often implemented in large-scale schools or institutions, particularly in urban areas. It provided education to children who had limited access to schooling, ensuring the proliferation of basic literacy and numeracy skills. While the system was influential in its time, it eventually waned in popularity as alternative educational models emerged. Nonetheless, the legacy of the Lancastrian system remains significant, as it contributed to the democratization of education and influenced subsequent educational approaches.
Etymology of LANCASTRIAN SYSTEM
The term "Lancastrian system" refers to a teaching method developed by Joseph Lancaster in the early 19th century. The etymology of the word is derived from the name of the city of Lancaster in Lancashire, England, where Lancaster was based.
Joseph Lancaster was a Quaker educator who created a system of education that aimed to provide basic education to underprivileged children. His approach involved a monitorial system, where older, more advanced students would teach younger students in a large classroom setting. This method became known as the Lancasterian system or monitorial system.
Since Joseph Lancaster was associated with the city of Lancaster, his teaching method was often referred to as the "Lancastrian system" as a way to denote its origin.
