Pioneering Educational Philosophies: Tolstoy and Ferrer i Guàrdia

Leo Tolstoy (Russia, 1828–1910)

Early Life and Influences

Orphaned at age 9, Tolstoy was educated by French tutors and at the University of Kazan. He was significantly influenced by the writings of Rousseau.

Concept of Education

Tolstoy was deeply concerned not to impose adult personalities upon children. This led him to refuse to promote any form of formal instruction. He advocated for universal education, believing that if education were widespread across society, despotism, violence, and injustices would cease. For Tolstoy, education required a common monitor: the people.

Practical Proposals in Practice

• Students had no fixed locations.
• No set tasks were assigned.
• Work was based on exercise and interest.
• Children were not punished.
• Students had the right to attend classes freely.
• Books were often self-manufactured.
• There were no traditional subjects reported.

Concept of the Educator

The teacher must be clear that their role is to accompany the student, respecting their individuality.

Concept of the Learner

Students are individuals subject to the same requirements as adults. They all desire to learn and chose to attend school, understanding that learning effortlessly requires adhering to certain conditions or rules.

Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia (Spain, 1859–1909)

Activism and Legacy

In 1886, Ferrer traveled to Paris, where he connected with leftist and student activists. He left a significant legacy, leading him to found the Modern School of Barcelona in 1901. In 1906, he was arrested after being accused of murder, and the school was closed in 1908. In 1909, he was arrested again during the Tragic Week in Barcelona; he was shot on October 13, 1909, reportedly saying, "Long live the Modern School!"

Teaching Ideas

His ideological influences stemmed from anarchism, positivism, and free thought.

Concept of Education

He attempted a learning method where children learned freely, unaffected by any external factor. He believed the person must be free and uninfluenced by any authority. His principles included:

• Individual liberty
• Suppression of authority
• Autonomy of the person
• Co-education (sexual and social)

Methodology

Teachers should provide the necessary resources for the child's full development. The student's role is the protagonist of their learning and they are free to choose.

School Design

The school's ideology centered on student freedom. Activities included exercises, group work, outings into the environment, and personal hygiene work. Critical thinking and debate were considered important elements.