1. Philosophical Foundation:
* Idealism: Harris was a strong advocate of idealism, believing that knowledge exists independently of the individual and is discovered through reason and contemplation. This led him to emphasize the importance of "culture epochs" in education, where students learn about the historical development of human thought and culture.
* Formal Discipline: Harris believed that studying subjects like mathematics, logic, and grammar could train the mind to think critically and solve problems in any field. This concept of "formal discipline" emphasized the importance of subjects for their inherent value, not just their practical applications.
2. Curriculum Structure:
* Hierarchical Organization: Harris believed that subjects should be organized into a hierarchical structure, with the most fundamental concepts at the base and progressively more complex topics building upon them. This approach led to a linear curriculum where students moved from simpler to more advanced subjects as they progressed through school.
* Subject Specialization: Harris advocated for the creation of separate departments and specialized teachers for each subject. This allowed for greater depth of knowledge and expertise in each area, promoting rigorous academic study.
3. Educational Reform:
* National Curriculum: Harris played a key role in establishing a national curriculum for public schools in the United States. This curriculum was based on his subject-centered approach and aimed to standardize educational standards across the country.
* Teacher Training: Harris was instrumental in developing programs for teacher training, emphasizing the importance of rigorous academic preparation for educators. He believed that teachers should have a deep understanding of the subject matter they teach and be able to present it in a way that fosters intellectual development in students.
In summary, William Harris's contributions to the subject-centered curriculum include:
* A philosophical foundation based on idealism and formal discipline.
* A hierarchical and linear curriculum structure.
* Emphasis on subject specialization and rigorous academic study.
* Advocacy for a national curriculum and teacher training programs.
While the subject-centered curriculum has been criticized for being too rigid and neglecting individual needs, Harris's contributions laid the groundwork for a system of education that valued intellectual rigor and the transmission of knowledge. His ideas continue to be influential in shaping contemporary educational philosophies and practices.