STUDENT ACTIVISM ON THE EDUCATIONAL SCENE: AN HISTORICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL PROFILE

Abstract

In the beginning-that is, before the present era of school. the process of
education was almost invariably conceived of in terms of an "art"_an
aesthetic art of carving, shaping or producing an individual learner after and
into an ideal model. Classical philosophers would have described it more
aethetically as a method brought to bear on the individual or individuals with
the intent of preparing them into modes of thought, action. taste and reflection
compatible with the philosopher's (teacher's) view of what is exceIlent and
acceptable. Social exceIlence. with the synonyms of tranquillity, orderliness,
peacefulness, conformity with nature. and responsibility, was the ultimate goal
in every philosopher's thinking; and the young generations were to be brought
up in accordance with the prevailing mode of thinking and to be urged or
even "shaped" to achieve this.