On Thomas Jefferson's Educational Theory

Other than statesman and thinker, educator was one of the most important roles of Thomas Jefferson. He was the founder of American public educational theory as well as the founder of the experiment of public education. The public educational theory of Jefferson was a clear indication of his democratic political ideas and was a crucial part in his probing a new development way for newly risen bourgeoisie republic. Based on the modern enlighten ideas, Jefferson's educational theory gave prominence to the theme of educational publicity, established new relationship between nation and education, put forward a new educational principal which highlighted both equality and achievement. Therefore, his theory can be considered as an organic and entire system. Jefferson's public educational theory not only founded a new way for American to establish a new national education system but also provided an original version for development of world's public education and modernization of education. Due to era factor's impacts, his theory has many limitations. However, his theory can still be used for references for educational reform and development in the world of today.This paper is designed as follows. Besides introduction part, this paper includes three parts: the first part introduces Jefferson's life and his major educational practices, analyzes the social and historic background which gave rise to his theory, expounds major sources of his educational theory. The second part sorts out the structure of his public educational theory and summarizes the nature and characteristics of his public educational theory. The third part evaluates and analyzes historic influences, existed limitations and enlightening guidance to modern education of Jefferson's educational theory.