Rousseau believes that education should conform to the laws of nature and cultivate free, equal, moral and independent people. He advocates that education should be divided into three stages: infancy, childhood and adolescence. At each stage, the methods and contents of education should be different.
In infancy, Rousseau advocated passive education, that is, not to interfere too much with children's development, but to let them explore the surrounding environment and things freely. This can cultivate children's independence and self-learning ability.
In childhood, Rousseau advocated the use of intuitive teaching method, that is, by letting children observe, touch and practice to learn knowledge. This can deepen children's understanding and memory of knowledge.
Rousseau advocated the method of labor education in his youth, that is, let young people exercise their body and willpower through labor, and at the same time cultivate their sense of social responsibility and independent living ability.
Rousseau also emphasized the theory of good nature, believing that human nature is good, while education and environment will affect human development. Therefore, he advocates the establishment of a new education system, so that everyone can freely choose their own career and lifestyle. This thought had a far-reaching impact on the later educational reform.
The application value of Rousseau s educational thought;
1, family education: Rousseau emphasized that children need to get in touch with and learn from nature when they grow up. In family education, parents can learn from Rousseau's thoughts, let their children get in touch with the natural environment and learn knowledge through observation, experience and practice. For example, in outdoor activities, parents can guide their children to observe the changes of plants, animals and weather, and let them explore and discover freely.
2. School education: Rousseau's educational thoughts also inspire school education. He advocates deepening students' understanding of knowledge through intuitive teaching, which can be applied to school education. For example, in science class, teachers can guide students to observe experimental phenomena and let them sum up scientific principles themselves.
3. Social education: Rousseau emphasized the importance of labor education, believing that labor can exercise people's body and willpower, and cultivate people's sense of social responsibility and ability to live independently. In social education, teenagers can participate in labor and social practice by organizing public welfare activities, community service and vocational training, so as to realize the unity of personal value and social value.
4. Adult education: Rousseau's educational thought is also applicable to adult education. He advocates improving his quality and ability through self-education and autonomous learning. In adult education, we can provide various courses, lectures and training courses so that adults can improve themselves and learn according to their own needs and interests.