Monitoridists

Monitorialists were a group of educators in the 19th century who advocated for a more democratic approach to education. The term "monitorialist" comes from the Latin word "monitor," which means "adviser" or "superior." This educational philosophy emphasized the importance of peer-to-peer education, where older or more experienced students would act as mentors or monitors for their younger counterparts.

Developed in the early 19th century, the monitorial system was designed to promote self-sufficient learning among students. The idea was that students would be divided into small groups, each led by an older student who would assist their peers with their studies and personal matters. The monitorial system was seen as an effective way to promote social responsibility, as well as financial efficiency, as it eliminated the need for a large number of teachers.

Some notable proponents of the monitorialist philosophy include Joseph Lancaster and Andrew Bell. Lancaster, an English educator, developed a model for the monitorial system, where older students would be responsible for teaching and managing smaller groups of students. Andrew Bell, a Scottish educator, also developed a version of the monitorial system that focused on the importance of peer-to-peer learning.

While the monitorial system showed promise, it was not without its criticisms. Some critics argued that the system placed too much responsibility on individual students, and that the older students, who were supposed to act as monitors, were not always equipped themselves. Additionally, the system was seen as being overly dependent on the quality of the monitors, which could lead to inconsistencies in the level of education provided. Despite these criticisms, the monitorial system remains an important part of educational history, and its emphasis on peer-to-peer learning continues to influence educational philosophy today.