The Elements of General Method, Based on the Principles of Herbart (ePub)

Charles Alexander McMurry (1857-1929) was a leading figure in the development of American teacher education during the progressive era of the early 20th century. McMurry's scholarly contributions to the field of education are grounded in the principles of the German philosopher Johann Friedrich Herbart, whose educational theories he adapted and expanded upon for an American context. One of his seminal works, 'The Elements of General Method, Based on the Principles of Herbart', stands as a testament to his dedication to improving teacher methods and educational practices. McMurry was an advocate for the pedagogical approach that saw teaching as an art form that required both a scientific understanding of learning processes and a compassionate approach to student development. His philosophical stance stressed the importance of connecting new learning to previous experiences, encouraging an inductive approach to teaching that facilitated the moral and intellectual growth of students. His thoughtful integration of Herbartian methods in American education helped shape teacher training and had a lasting impact on the field. McMurry worked alongside his brother Frank, with whom he founded the McMurry training schools for teachers, foregrounding their influence within the teacher education realm. In addition to his work on pedagogical method, Charles McMurry was instrumental in the development of the normal school system in the United States, which played a critical role in the professionalization of teaching.