Quincy Method

The Quincy Method, also known as the Quincy Plan, or the Quincy system of learning, was a child-centred, progressive approach to education developed by Francis W. Parker, then superintendent of schools in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1875.^[1]

Parker, a pioneer of the progressive school movement, rejected the traditional rigid school routine, exemplified by rote learning and the spelling-book method, and even stated that the spelling book should be burned,^[2] although he did favour oral spelling. Emphasis was instead placed on social skills and self-expression through cultural activities and physical training, as well as teacher-prepared materials, experience-based learning and children’s own writing.

A survey by the Massachusetts State Board of Education published four years later showed that Quincy students excelled at reading, writing, and spelling, and ranked fourth in their county in math.^[3]

When in 1883 Parker became principal of the Cook County Normal School in Chicago,^[4] he developed the Method further, introducing teacher training based on modern educational methods.

See also

• Constructionist learning
• Experiential education
• Educational philosophies
• Education reform
• Humanistic education
• Laboratory school

References