The Greek and Roman System of Education PDF

**\ 0102-2\ 3.2.1 The Greeks System of Education** Greeks as a nation consisted of different independently governed city states, the most important of which include Athens and Sparta. The Athenians developed a [representative system of government called democracy;] therefore, their education syste...

**\ 0102-2\ 3.2.1 The Greeks System of Education** Greeks as a nation consisted of different independently governed city states, the most important of which include Athens and Sparta. The Athenians developed a [representative system of government called democracy;] therefore, their education system was developed towards democratic ideals. An Athenian child used to go to school at the age of seven. A school in this city state was a room reserved for that purpose in the house and the school master (teacher) used to be either a slave or a poor freeman. The child was taught many famous poems which he should learn by heart, with the aim of promoting his proficiency in the language, in addition he should also learn how to read and write, how to speak in public and how to debate issues before an assembly. A girl on the other hand used to receive her education at home with the aim of becoming a good house wife and to love an [orator]. It is therefore clear that the philosophy behind the Athenian system of education was to produce an orator who should be able to represent his people in the assembly and debate issues. Sparta was another city state that was ruled by two kings assisted by a council of elders and an assembly which used to approve or reject what was sent by the kings. 1. The aim and philosophy of education in Sparta was to produce a strong and healthy man ready to defend the state. A child used to start school at the age of seven. Schools in Sparta were built and owned only by the government and it used to be a boarding school. 2. At the age of seven a child used to be taken away from his home to a boarding school. He would be taught the art of wrestling, boxing and fighting. He was taught to obey without complain and face death without fear. He used to learn to speak few words. 3. At the age of eighteen (18) a child used to graduate from the school and enrolled as a soldier. He remained soldier until he reached thirty (30) years when he would retire and return to his family. 4. Girls were trained to respect and love a healthy body more than a mind. 5. With this system of education, the Greeks were able to produce famous educationist that contributed greatly to the development of modern education such as Socrates (49-399 13C), Plato (427---347 BC) and Aristotle (384-322 BC).\ \ In addition to the above, the following could be considered as the contributions of Greeks to education of modern education. i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. **3.2.2 Roman Education** The Romans developed a system of education which has contributed greatly to the development of modern education. The philosophy behind the Roman education was the production of a Roman orator who is an encyclopedia. [The Roman Orator should be a possessor of all knowledge]. The Romans system of education developed the following stages: 1. 2. 3. The above system of education developed by the Romans was able to produce great educational thinkers or philosophers like Quintilian, Cicero and others. Similarly, it became the first educational system so standardized in design and each with its different curriculum.\ The above structure influenced the British system of education which Nigeria adopted at independence in 1960. The Romans educational system introduced educational psychology through which new concepts such as individual differences, discipline, the structuring and classification of knowledge to be learnt by students. For example, Quintilian believed that even though all knowledge should be learnt, it should not be at the same time. Knowledge should be given according to the maturity level of the learner. The concept of Encyclopedia emerged from the Romans education system and believed to be the first to start the compilation of Encyclopedia as a book. Today, the world over, this book has become an important source of information and research material. The Romans also believed in state control of schools because to them a school is miniature society which trains the learner to take or play their respective role in the larger society. Therefore, it becomes imperative for public control of schools if government desires to achieve its objectives through schools. Similarly, the Romans concept of an orator influences Nigeria curriculum such as communication skills, general studies, social studies etc. at lower and high levels. There is no doubt from what we have seen above that the Roman education has greatly helped towards the shaping of Nigerians education system and that of other countries in the world