INTRODUCTION. The educational theories of Basedow were similar to those of Rousseau. Beyond a doubt the reading of Emile influenced Basedow in the application of naturalism to education. However, Basedow had expressed many similar ideas prior to the publication of Emile. The points upon which Basedow and Rousseau differ are important. Basedow believed in schools reformed with his new methods. The socialization processes of education are important in the school of Basedow in contrast to the individualized tutorial education of Emile. Basedow is an original educator in his own right. He is the major reformer of the school system of Germany.
LIFE OF BASEDOW. The
major events in the life of Basedow may be summarized thus:
2. EDUCATION. Recognizing the brilliant mind of the youth, the doctor persuaded Basedow to return to school. Basedow returned to grammar school. The teachers in the upper grades recommended him for the University, overlooking his unruly and undisciplined behavior in favor of his keen intelligence. In 1744 Basedow entered the University of Leipzig to study for the ministry.
3. YOUNG ADULT YEARS. During the two years that Basedow spent in the University, he rarely attended any lectures or pursued the study of philosophy and religion in an organized fashion. He wrote term papers for money for students who lacked ability. Basedow acquired additional funds by tutoring wealthy students. Then he spent his money in riotous living in the city.
4. TEACHER. Basedow accepted a position as tutor to an aristocratic child in 1749. Concentrating on the child's interest in play, Basedow developed many ingenious games by which he taught his charge. Language was taught through conversation rather than the common learning by rote approach. When the young aristocrat was ten years old, he was able to read and write German and Latin. He had an adult grasp upon arithmetic, geography, history and science. Much of this was attributed to Basedow's creative teaching methods.
5. UNIVERSITY OF SURO. As a result of Basedow's success in teaching, he was given an appointment in philosophy at the Danish University of Suro. As a professor, Basedow was immensely successful in teaching and unsuccessful to the same degree in faculty relations. His brilliant and interesting lectures won him great popularity among the students. His is immoderate life in the town, tendency to brag and attacks upon organized religion won him enemies among the faculty. After eight years Basedow was expelled by governmental order.
6. GYMNASIUM AT ALTONA. Basedow was appointed as Gymnasium teacher in Altona. Here Basedow failed to win any success. The aristocratic students disliked him. The administration reduced his teaching hours and the point was reached where he was assigned no class whatever. Basedow took this opportunity to write. His treatises attacked the established religions and won him many new enemies.
7. EDUCATIONAL MONOGRAPH. In 1768 Basedow published a monograph on education setting forth his plans for the improvement of education. This won him great fame at the time. Basedow suggested in this work that a laboratory school be established to implement new methods and provide a training ground for preservice teachers. Basedow felt the need for an encyclopedia in education which would guide every teacher in the use of proper methods and curricula.
8."ELEMENTARY BOOK." Basedow raised enough money through public subscription to begin the "Elementary Book." In 1770 he published the first part of this work. Part I dealt with teaching methods. Toward the end of his labors in Part 11, Basedow accepted the help of another educator named Wolke. Part II, which presented a complete curriculum for the schools, was published in 1772.
9. THE SCHOOL IN DESSAU. In 1771 the Prince of Anhalt offered to support a school in Dessau if Basedow would organize and administer the school.-This school, called the "Philanthropinum," began in 1774 with fifteen pupils. A public examination of these young scholars, held in 1776, impressed learned observers who arrived for the event from all over Europe. Basedow failed as an administrator as the years passed. His excessive drinking and violent outbursts of emotion drove away the better teachers (including his friend Wolke), and brought on a negligent teaching atmosphere. Although Basedow had left the school by 1785, the administrative damage led to the termination of Dessau as a school in 1793.
10. LAST YEARS. Basedow became enthusiastic about introducing a new method of reading. In 1785 he became a volunteer teacher at Magdeburg in order to try out his system of teaching reading. Basedow died in 1790 of a cerebral hemorrhage.