The Past
Before we look to the future, where did we start?
The below information provides a high-level overview of the beginnings of Canadian K-12 education. On this page, you will learn that education began far before what we consider to be "education" now, and that the (more rigid) systems we have in place now were not the norm until very recently.
Where did the classroom begin?
Before European settlers arrived and what we call "formal" education began, Indigenous populations taught their own way.
Just as in Western Cultures, Indigenous Education systems were the means by which the values, beliefs, customs, lifestyle, knowledge and skills were passed between generations
Children were taught by the family and their entire community, not one particular teacher
Education varied based on the community children belonged to, their roles, aptitudes, and numerous other factors, and focused on helping the child to take on their role in the community
Although some specialized instruction occurred with some individuals, learning was not segregated into levels/categories, formal learning "subjects" did not exist, and learning occurred in many settings (indoor/outdoor, living areas/non-living areas) with a focus on practical utility
The first "classrooms" were in the home.
Children were taught by family, or community members, often individually
Education focused on relevant life skills and economy-based work
Learning was not split into levels or categories; reading and writing was taught if possible
All "subjects" were taught in the same space
Tools were whatever was on hand (writing materials or books), but commonly not "required"
The next classrooms were in the schoolhouse.
Children were taught by a teacher or teacher figure, often of a religious denomination, often a young female
Canada's segregated residential schools started at this stage with goals to assimilate Indigenous youth; abuse was rampant, and inter-generational trauma related to the education system remains to this day (see: "contentions")
Education focused on a baseline of culture, knowledge and behaviour - religion, morality, and language (reading & writing) in addition to life skills; the beginning of distinct categorized learning "subjects" occurred here
All "subjects" were still taught in the same space
Tools were ink, paper, and slates for lessons, as well as early textbooks and novels
What have been the major changes?
The schoolhouse setting aligned with the creation of governing bodies for education, which changed some things:
Mandatory attendance for students:
it was previously common for students to miss class for harvests, or other familial duties; attendance became a legal requirement
Same education for both females and males:
up until the 20th century, education for females and males was distinct; a standard curriculum began here
Major educational contentions existed (and persist now):
Language and religious teachings in school, and the context of respect for different cultures. In general, assimilation was promoted above individuality.
Of particular significance is Indigenous education, which was not initially recognized or accepted in Canada, and features an extensive history of erasure; efforts to recognize, accept, and promote Indigenous-run education are ongoing to repair this damage, and some First Nations groups in B.C. have begun to take full control over education on their lands
Children from other backgrounds were also often segregated and taught differently, or not at all
Educational systems for students who do not thrive in the typical environment (vocational/technical teachings) often skewed heavily towards children from minority backgrounds
The shift from children being seen as “clay to mold” to “seeds to sow” began, requiring individual nurturing to learn best
As technology began to enter the classroom, curriculum and skills taught needed to shift:
The creation of “lab spaces” was typical to incorporate new technologies, to be available to all levels of learning
When used in the classroom, technologies augmented existing learning styles (i.e. front-facing lecturing)
Personal technology devices were not common until the current era