Obedience

Definition

Obedience refers to the act of following orders, rules, or instructions from an authority figure. In the context of education, it highlights how students are expected to comply with the established norms and directives within a learning environment, often reflecting broader societal values. This concept was particularly emphasized in early American education, where obedience was not only seen as a virtue but also as a means to maintain social order and discipline.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Obedience was a foundational value in Puritan culture, emphasizing conformity and submission to authority as essential for moral living.
2. In early American education, strict discipline practices were common, reinforcing the expectation of obedience among students.
3. The Puritans believed that education should foster obedience not just for academic success but also for religious and social conformity.
4. Failure to demonstrate obedience in schools often resulted in physical punishment or other disciplinary measures, reflecting the era's views on authority.
5. Puritan educators saw their role as not only imparting knowledge but also shaping character through instilling a sense of obedience and moral duty.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of obedience shape the educational practices during the Puritan period?
  • The concept of obedience was central to Puritan educational practices, where it was seen as essential for maintaining moral order and societal stability. Educators prioritized teaching children to respect authority and adhere to strict rules. This approach aimed to cultivate not only academic abilities but also a sense of moral responsibility and conformity, reflecting the broader Puritan belief that individual actions could impact the community's spiritual well-being.
• What were some methods used by Puritan educators to enforce obedience in schools?
  • Puritan educators employed various methods to enforce obedience in their schools, including strict disciplinary measures such as corporal punishment and public humiliation. These methods were intended to instill fear of disobedience and promote compliance with classroom rules. Additionally, the curriculum often included lessons on moral behavior and religious teachings that reinforced the importance of obedience as a virtue within both educational and social contexts.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the emphasis on obedience in early American education on modern educational philosophies.
  • The emphasis on obedience in early American education has left lasting effects on modern educational philosophies by shaping how authority is perceived in the classroom. While contemporary approaches increasingly value student autonomy and critical thinking, remnants of the past still influence classroom management strategies and expectations for student behavior. This tension between promoting individual expression and upholding traditional values of discipline can be observed in debates over educational practices today, highlighting how historical notions of obedience continue to resonate in modern education.

Related terms

Authority: The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

Discipline: The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, often using punishment to correct disobedience.

Social Order: A set of linked social structures that maintain stability and predictability in society.