Reviews the career and contributions of George Combe, an Edinburgh lawyer who proselytized for the cause of using phrenology in education. Although dismissed today as pseudoscience, phrenology (attributing various character traits to specific locations in the brain) was taken seriously as a science during the early 19th century. (MJP)

Examines the work and philosophy of Harry Lowerison, a turn-of-the-century London teacher and socialist. Specifically, recounts his development of the Ruskin School Home, an experimental and communal school for boys and girls. Discusses the school's policies, curriculum, admission requirements, and educational philosophy. Reprints handbills and…

Profiles an attempt at adult residential education known as the Woodbrookers' movement in the Netherlands from 1903-1941. Imported from England, the Woodbrookers' emphasized the precepts of Christian Socialism taught through weekend meetings and summer schools. Discusses the relationship between this movement and the Scandinavian folk high…

Reviews the contributions and educational philosophy of Herbert Spencer. The 19th-century social philosopher was an advocate of Pestalozzianism, an early form of open education and a precursor to John Dewey's progressive education. Discusses a broad range of educational reform movements and how they influenced Spencer. (MJP)

Discusses principles and educational change practices that led to educational progressivism in the second half of the twentieth century. Highlights elements of change and action expounded by educators who presented papers at the 2000 History of Education Society Conference (Birmingham, Alabama). (MER)

Focuses on the progressive education works of Herbert Kliebard and Sol Cohen. Introduces four genres of writings about progressive education. Argues for closer attention to be paid to the discontinuities in history of what is considered progressive education. (MER)

Responds to the progressive education concepts analyses of Herbert Kliebard and Sol Cohen. Offers the methodology concept of propography, or collective biography, to explain interests perceived as a homogenous progressive movement in education. Demonstrates the promise of prosopography as a methodology to bring agendas of less well-known…

Offers examples of progressive thoughts of male and female writers of romantic literature and poetry between 1780-1850. Depicts an era where children were believed to be better left formally uneducated and women's roles as professional writers and contributor's to progressive thought in society were largely ignored. (MER)

Focuses on the choreography of schooling and the social interactions between teacher and student. Draws upon evidential data samples of primary teachers during the 1880s and 1930s noted in Belgium educational reviews. Concludes there was a transition from 1880s teacher-is-master classroom to a conforming 1930s educator-mentor role. (MER)