A Research On Noah Webster's Educational Thoughts

The American Revolution in the 18th Century not only gave birth to a country full of vitality but also was pregnant with a strong nationalism. As one of the patriots, Noah Webster, complying with the trend, zealously joined the heroic struggle for American education.Noah Webster insisted that the United States, a new politically independent country, only by developing his own unique national identity and national culture could it break with Great Britain completely and ensure the U.S.long-term stability.Language is an important manifestation of national culture. Through the reform and innovation of language, Webster became the first man to bring forward "American English" and have a major impact on American language. He also made a monumental contribution to the development of National Education by editing American textbooks and dictionaries. In addition, language is not only the content of education but also the tool for education. With this powerful tool Webster profoundly expressed his educational ideals and patriotism.Webster particularly paid attention to the role of moral education. In his view, patriotism, nationalism and virtue were the core of education. He believed that through education people could be new citizens of the Republic, who advocated freedom, science and pragmatism, and who were self-disciplined, loyal, just, diligent, frugal and so on.With the transformation and development of American society, Webster's thought of public education came into being. Webster regarded public education as a reliable means to maintain the republican government and the unity of a multicultural nation. His thought of public education could be considered as the historical foundation of American public school movement and the establishment of American public education system.