William Chandler Bagley

By Kelsey Deal, Terra Campbell, and Tamara Wikkerink

Biographical Information

Born on March 15th, 1874 in Detroit, Michigan.

Died in 1946 (aged 72) in New York.

1895- graduated from Michigan Agricultural College with a bachelors degree in scientific agriculture.

No work after graduation. S

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Biography continued . . . 1896- studied education and learning

theories at University of Chicago. Taught for one year. 1898- completed his Masters in

Education. 1900- completed a doctorate in

education and psychology at Cornell University.

Became an elementary school principle in St. Louis.

Married with four children.

Biography continued . . . Montana Normal College – he was a professor

of psychology, pedagogy, and director of teacher training.

Was superintendent- promoted the use of college student teachers in public school.

1909- Appointed professor and director of the school of education at the University of Illinois.

Biography continued . . .

Bagley worked to create an influential program in education at the University of Illinois.

1917- he accepted professorship at the teachers college at Columbia University in New York

He organized a department for the study of normal schools and teacher education.

Until retirement in 1939. Died seven years after his retirement.

Educational Theories

Focused on the professional training of teachers.

Ship captain= teacher, who made sure that each student attained skills and knowledge.

Theories continued . . .

His view: there is unquestioned obedience of teacher and of students to the authority of the principle and the superintendent.

Some choice about the daily order of teaching, but still very scheduled and routine.

Theories continued . . .

Bagley’s ultimate aim: that education be efficient so people become socially efficient individuals.

Views of Bagley

o Essentialism: emphasizes that physical and social sciences are basis of subject matter that students must acquire.

o Stresses the conservative function of education.

o Schools must agree with accepted values of society along with scientific fact as opposed to individual interest and desires.

Views of Bagley continued . . .

Spoke out against progressivism because it stresses too much individual interest and freedoms.

Believed language and mathematic skills were essentials that the curriculum should be built on.

Believed that progressive education damaged the intellectual and moral standards of students.

Are these similar to our system?

BC curriculum now mandates what must be taught at certain grade level and falls in line with what the general population views as important. Outside theories or beliefs are now taught in private or alternative schools.

Are these similar to our system?

In BC we are mandated to follow a government approved curriculum that does allow for some choice but there is an emphasis on science and math values.

In BC these basics must be used to create effective, educated citizens.

The term essentialism is no longer used but the values are still out there.

References and Sources

Bookrags, Inc. "William Chandler Bagley Biography." BookRags. BookRags. Web. 27 Feb. 2011.

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