The History of Education of Canada??

I write this title as question mark, because although this blog entry is essentially about the history of education in Canada, that also inadvertently means that it is about the history of education in many other countries as well. We had a student in our class, who is originally from France, present to us about the French education system, how it has changed over time, and what affect it has had on Canadian education. It was very interesting to hear about it first hand, and there were many things that she talked about that have led to the basis for the Canadian Education system.We then took a look at some of the other countries that have affected our education system, and too my great surprise, there was quite a few.

The most striking thing about the Canadian education system is how different it was, and still is, all across the different provinces. This is primarily because different types of people settled in different regions of the country at different times, due to various different reasons.

In places like Quebec, where the French first settled, education was controlled and funded by the Catholic church. Boys and girls were separated, with the boys being taught by Priests, and the girls by nuns. The boys also got a better education than the girls.

On the east coast, the influence was primarily that of the British settlers, and a small american influence from a few of the British Loyalists that immigrated to Canada. Their education was also funded and controlled by the chuch, but this time it was the Protestant church. Although they believed in education for everybody, their education system was more class structured than some of the others. Lower class citizens received an essential education (The bible and the 3 R's), while upper class citizens were groomed for university education.

I found the history of education in the west to be the most interesting. It got its basis from immigrants that came to the area during the gold rush. These were brave and free-thinking people that abhorred structure and took risks, and it still shows in their education system today. They offer a very broad curriculum (not just the essentials) and offer many new and innovative programs and expeiences.

Last but not least, what can we say about our education system here in the prairies? Our major basis for education came mostly from Scottish people that immigrated to the area. They were practical, and believed in equal education for all, as well as a broad range of subjects taught. Also, in Manitoba, there is the law that says whereever there are at least 10 people that speak the same language that schooling must me offered to them in that way. This makes sense to me when I think about schools such as St. Lazare, which is primarily french speaking. It also sheds a new like on the situation for me in that, it is not just between provinces that we have cultural differences. More and more there are differences just 30 minutes down the road, or even in the same school!

Thanks to the Common Schools Act, all provinces now offer the right to free,, equal, non-religious public education. However, each province still has its own curriculum, and tends to focus more on the traditions of those present at the time. Is this really a bad thing though? I firmly believe that it is something to be embraced and taken advantage of. It is a great learning opportunity for students to learn about, and appreciate other cultures, and there is no better way to do so than from someone who has actually experienced it first hand. We are truly lucky to live in such a unique and diverse melting pot as Canada.