Review On Harbart's View On Students

Johann Friedrich Herbart was a famous educationist of German from the end of the 18th century to the beginning of the 19th century. He respected the students to a great degree. But he is always criticized as a autocracy who forced students to do anything about the study . We can summarize these opposite points as follows:First ,about the basis of teaching and study ,Herbart put forward "interest" more clearly , he elaborated on the importance of respecting students' interest and advocated to stimulate and develop many-sided interest of students;He founded "the four-stage teaching methods "in order to facilitate the teaching and the study.He advocated " the government of children": give students freedom but not let them alone .however, many people think that Herbart only knew to force students to study; "the four-stage teaching methods" only fell into the traps of formalism, "governmenf'is really the ringleader who forces students to study.Second, about the study method, Herbart advocated students to use freely all kinds of study methods.But many people think that Herbart only asked students to memorize anything.Third ,about the destination of study,Herbart advocated that students should not only enjoy the existence but also pursue the bright future. But many people think that Herbart only advocated students to study for the future according to what the adult force them to do .Fourth ,about the aim of study, Herbart further advocated students to study for the life and only in the life is there genuine study.But many people think that Herbart only asked to inculcate students the book learning.Fifth ,about the relation between the individual and the society,Herbart advocated education to develop independently,But many people think Herbart only asked education to develop people who are respectful and submissive according to what the government asks it to do.Sixth,about the founder of education,Herbart suggested that students should not only rely on teachers and we should not confine them to school.So the whole society including family, school ,community etc should participate in education as a founder.Thus,Herbart's thought about education broke the idea from Comenius that the teacher is all-powerful.But many people think that Herbart only emphasized"teach"but looked down on "study".This paper introduces the spreading process of Herbart's thought about education in China ,and from which it analyzes why Herbart's view on students is misunderstood and criticized by educational circles in China .Meanwhile, it displays all aspects of Herbart's view on students according to Herbart's original work.So that this paper ensures that Herbart's view on students is really misunderstood by educational circles in China,From which this paper can not only clarifies this misunderstanding but also makes people understand the essence and the practical significance of Herbart's view on students so that it can give spiritual support and practical foundation to our education.