Key Takeaways:
- The Renaissance sparked a cultural and intellectual transformation that still influences modern education.
- Humanism introduced critical thinking and student-centered learning.
- Advancements in science, mathematics, art, and literature reshaped teaching methods today.
What Was the Renaissance?
The Renaissance was an era of great change, innovation, and exploration of new ideas. Characterized by its advancements in science, mathematics, and art, the Renaissance was a time when people wanted to learn more about the way the world worked. The Renaissance brought about humanistic ideologies and new ways of thinking that challenged medieval scholasticism. These radical changes in education were incredibly significant at the time and continued to influence the way we teach and learn in modern times. Read more to explore how the Renaissance shaped modern education.
Humanism and Its Role in Education
During the Renaissance, humanism was a cultural and intellectual movement that focused on the idea of human potential and emphasized critical thinking. Humanism was much different from the typical scholasticism that focused on combining classical philosophy and teachings of the Christian church. Rather, humanism focused on:
- The power of the individual
- Analyzing and engaging with new ideas
- Thinking freely and questioning traditional knowledge
- Inquiring more about the nature of reality
This shift in mindset led to increased access to education, as well as the later innovations in math, science, art, and literature.
Scientific and Mathematical Advancements in Learning
As Renaissance thinkers continued to question the workings of the world, they made great revelations in math and science based on observation and experimentation. Advancements in mathematics include the reintroduction of algebra, developments in trigonometry and geometry, and the application of math to physics.
With the rise of experimentation, scientists and mathematicians were able to discover more accurate findings in the fields of:
- Astronomy
- Anatomy and medicine
- Physics and engineering
- Mathematics
Many of these discoveries lead to the development of new techniques in math and science, which are still used today. Additionally, innovations such as the telescope, astrolabe, and compass made exploration and discovery possible, fostering a spirit of curiosity that still fuels STEM education today.
Art, Literature, and the Rise of Literacy
Along with math and science, the Renaissance brought about enhancements in literacy, language, and art. Teachers in the Renaissance understood the importance of reading and writing skills and focused on improving foundational strategies for students to succeed. Students of the Renaissance gained skills in that led them to becoming confident communicators including:
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Phonics
- Fluency
Art also flourished during this time with many artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michealangelo focusing their attention on humans, nature, and the way people behave and interact with one another. Along with iconic artworks born out of the Renaissance, many art styles and techniques have continued to be used in modern art today.
Teaching and Educational Systems in the Renaissance
The Renaissance was a time of rebirth for teachers and students alike. Teachers in this era recognized the value of strong support systems for students and the accessibility of educational materials. Libraries, schools, tutors, and mentors became key pillars of instructional support for learning. Reading materials became more available to individuals, and people began to enjoy reading poetry, plays, philosophical works, and stories. Much like our educational system today, teachers played a critical role in developing and nurturing students' learning during the Renaissance.
Want to Learn More About the Renaissance’s Educational Legacy?
Published by Iter Press, Iter Bibliography is a comprehensive and authoritative database of over 1.5 million citations for secondary source material about the Middle Ages and Renaissance (400-1700). With citations for books and journal materials, students and researchers can explore more of the innovations and ideologies of the Renaissance. Iter Bibliography contains bibliographic materials on topics such as education, knowledge, technology, communication, and more. Iter Bibliography is the largest and most comprehensive online discovery tool for medieval and early modern studies, making researching the Renaissance’s impact on modern society easy and efficient.
