favorite piece of writing

Sophie Steckerl

December 12, 2011

Period 1

November Discussion Board

(Topic #2)

     Education and good citizenship evolved in ancient Athens. It left us with a clear image of what it means to be and educated person and our ultimate goals of education. Until the age of six or seven, most children were raised at home by their mothers or by a trained housekeeper (slaves, or better known as gogos). They would teach them manners (educate), moral beliefs and what to expect when they leave their mothers nest. Greek myths and legends where incorporated into the child’s learning. Girls had a scarce need for education; on the other hand every Athenian father had the right to raise their boy as they pleased. He could either teach his son himself or he could pay slaves to do so.

     When a young Spartan reached the age of seven, they were taken over by the state. The sate rightfully owned him until the day he died. At the age of 16 they were put into a secret police agency. The Spartans where more of a military-based society compared to the Greek way of life.

     Conformity and discipline was strictly enforced in Sparta. In Athens its great philosophers influenced the society: Pericles, Plato etc. Both systems have their pros and cons, given the children of Athens depend on the decision of their parents. The children of Sparta depend on the state, which means they don’t have free will.

     The Colombian education system consists of nursery school, elementary school, high school, technical instruction and a university education. A typical Colombian student studies around 11 years and attempts to go to college.