A REVISIT OF JEAN JACQUE ROUSSEAU’S CONTRIBUTION ON EDUCATION

Abstract

This paper sought to revisit Rousseau’s contribution on education. Jean Jacque Rousseau is a Swiss philosopher. He was a great and a social thinker of the 18th century of all his works, his contribution on education was centered on one of his books titled Emile. Emile is regarded as a learner. On his social contract, he understands that man was originally innocent but the society corrupts him. For that, Emile should be separated from the society; until he is fully grown to be taken back to society so that he shouldn’t be corrupt. He described the way that suites a leaner to have a standard of education. This was done by his illustration on the stages of a child. Education of a learner should be highly observed based on their level e.g. infancy level which is 0-2 years shouldn’t be taught anything. Rousseau as a naturalist declares that natural education relies upon inclinations rather than habits. He says that a learner should not be punished rather be left with nature to do that. He further stated that a child should be taught what interest him. This papers adopt expository and analytic methods in order to record the Rousseau’s contribution on education of a boy from infancy to adulthood. In this study of Rousseau, the set principle of Emile’s education has been a paradigm for a new type of society. It was certain radical in its day, at least because it raised the status of childhood, and particularly valued the early stages of child development. Rousseau’s theories are based on what is known as ‘child-centered’ approach education. As this article will be discussing some of Rousseau’s contribution on education and the child development; with a view of recognizing the relevance they have to the present day early years’ practice; certain critique / evaluation on his works will be ascertain.