An Unrivaled Ability to Learn
According to an article published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the fully-developed human brain weighs roughly 3 pounds and consists of around 100 billion neurons (or nerve cells). When we speak of the ‘brain’ we are referring to the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brainstem. The cerebrum is the largest, most-recognized part of the brain acting as the center of sensory perception, thought, memory, and motor output.
The human brain is remarkable. Not only do we learn blindly from trial and error, but we cross the threshold into conscious decision making by utilizing complex patterns of reason. Because of this unique capacity, humanity has developed intricate systems of learning leading all the way up to today. This has allowed us to maximize our cognitive potential and reach new heights.
It is no question that education plays a key role in our overall intelligence, helping us put our neurons to good use. Over the years, education has taken many forms and has seen recent transformations unlike anything before seen. Here is a look, from your Utah online school professionals at Mountain Heights Academy, at how education has transformed in just a short span of time.
19th Century Education Modalities
In the 1800s, the United States of America was a relatively new nation. Because of this, our state-controlled education system was in its infancy— though the system has proven to endure the test of time. New social and economic changes resulting from the end of a Revolution, and continuing into a mid-century civil war encouraged all educational institutions, public and private, to broaden their aims and curricula. Even in the years following the civil war, around 20 percent of persons 14 and older were illiterate.
Due to a shortage of teachers at many times during the century, children of a wide variety ages were receiving the same instruction, in the same classroom. A focus was placed on the basics: literacy, mental discipline and good moral character. Unlike today, instructors were encouraged by society to discipline students for poor behavior in ways that we may now consider unconventional.
As a large portion of individuals in many parts of the country would eventually earn their living through labor and not continued education, there was much early attention focused on citizenship for jobs as well as individual development.
20th Century Education Modalities
It can be said that the 20th century was the period that changed American education. The principals and foundations for public education were set but improvement was necessary as illiteracy rates were still above 10 percent nationwide in 1900.
Classes were broken up by age groups as more teachers entered the field and education became more specialized. Before 1910, the prevalent model of schooling was 8 years of elementary school and 4 years of secondary school (high school). After 1910, a different structure was created— a more recognized 6-3-3 system. There was also a significant increase in knowledge offered to the young students. Before too long, there were a variety of new disciplines being taught and electives such as foreign languages, offered.
Another significant change was the introduction of standardization. Standardized tests across the nation allowed the country to achieve more consistency in its education across states. Thus, students on the plains were on equal footing with those on the east and west coasts.
Modern Education
The 200 years of education leading up to the turn of the 21st century certainly left a suitable construct to be built upon even more. By the year 2000, American literacy rates were already over 99 percent and sights were set far beyond the basics. Education became dynamic, lending students flexibility and a wealth of learning options. Systems were well in place for the accommodation of special needs as well as in-school counseling for students.
Of course, the glaring change that has been seen recently is the migration to online platforms. As a leading online school in Utah, the faculty at Mountain Heights have embraced such changes. From the humble beginnings where the educational environment was set in a small, crowded, one-room classroom with students of many ages and a single, overwhelmed instructor, to a robust online learning interface accessed straight from home, we have certainly come a long way.
Mountain Heights is a tuition-free, online public charter school available to all Utah students in grades 7-12. We have more than a decade of experience with online learning and the know-how to help students succeed. We understand the science behind human cognition and our methods utilize such science to maximize learning. If you would like to learn more about all our Utah online school has to offer, visit our website or give us a call at 801.721.6329.