EDF 1005- Reflection 15

Education in ancient Athenia differed from the education of ancient Rome in various ways. For starters, rather than punishment and forcing students to learn through fear, as Roman education did, Athenian education never really disciplined students into focusing on one subject over their others. They wanted the children to be educated on all the subjects. The three subjects that were taught then were grammar, gymnastics, and music. I think these types of subjects are essential when molding students to become a well-spoken character, and have an appreciation for aesthetics (of the ear.) Most importantly, however, is the promotion of good health. In my years as a student in public schools, I have never seen or had the opportunity to enroll in a gymnastics class. If they offered more classes like this, perhaps students would be healthier and in good shape. Music is not as highly respected as math or science now-a-days. Females of ancient Athenia did not go to school. They were put to stay home to learn chores. However, some parents, if they could afford it, had private teachers teach the girls in their own homes. Boys began school at age 7, and at age 14 they were sent to a higher level school. Kind of like when students make a transition from middle school to high school today! If they are in good health once they become 18 years of age, they are sent off to train for military.
In Western civilization, schools were available to everyone, but with a fee. It was not only exclusively for boys from rich families. Payments to attend this school was not as expensive, and many we able to afford it. A major difference of Roman education is that they were highly disciplined, making their learning based on fear. It was believed that if the boys were afraid to be beaten for their mistakes they would learn more effectively. Although, I do not believe in hurting my students or making them scared, I suppose if they had yet to develop such an array of educational philosophies as they have today, this was is kind of effective. I’m assuming if a student does not want to be so badly disciplined, they will try harder to learn everything correctly and do their assignments right. Unlike the Athians, there was a greater emphasis on Math for Roman education than all the other subjects. Although females were allowed to attend Roman schools, the wealthier ones still had a tutor at home, rather than taking advantage of the more affordable schools. The girls practically attended a wife-school. In order to be prepared for marriage, they were taught how to keep a home. The Athenians went to school in the morning, and were out by noon, and the Romans were in school the entire day. I believe the rigorousness between schools is the main difference. Although ancient Roman education was more available to everyone than Athinian education, they seem to have had a much difficult one.