General Characteristics:
* Limited Access to Secondary and Higher Education: Most students only received an elementary education (typically 8 years). High school (secondary education) was far from universal, especially for girls and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. College was a privilege for the wealthy and elite few.
* Emphasis on Discipline and Rote Learning: The classroom environment was highly structured and authoritarian. Teachers often employed corporal punishment. Learning was largely memorization-based, with less emphasis on critical thinking or creativity. Students were expected to obey authority without question.
* Segregated Schools: In many parts of the world, including the United States, schools were racially segregated. Black students often received significantly less funding and inferior education compared to white students.
* Gender Roles Reflected in Curriculum: Curricula often reinforced traditional gender roles. Girls were typically steered towards home economics and other "domestic" subjects, while boys focused on more "practical" subjects like shop class.
* Rural vs. Urban Differences: Rural schools were often smaller, less well-funded, and had fewer resources than their urban counterparts. Rural students might have had a longer commute and a less diverse curriculum.
* Limited Technology: Technology in education was rudimentary. Blackboards, chalk, and textbooks were the primary tools. There was little use of audiovisual aids or other technological advancements.
* Focus on Classics and Basics: The curriculum typically focused on fundamental subjects like reading, writing, arithmetic, history, geography, and grammar. Science and vocational training were becoming increasingly important, but not universally available.
Specific Regional Examples:
* United States: Public education was expanding, but disparities between states and communities remained significant. Progressive education movements were gaining traction, advocating for more child-centered learning methods.
* Europe: Education systems varied widely across different countries. Germany, for instance, had a strong emphasis on vocational training. England's education system was undergoing reform, with efforts to expand access to secondary education.
In short: Education in 1912 was far less accessible and equitable than it is today. It was characterized by strict discipline, rote learning, and a rigid curriculum that often reinforced social inequalities. While advancements were being made in certain areas, significant obstacles to universal and equal access to education remained.