1. One-Room Schoolhouses: Rural areas often relied on one-room schoolhouses, which catered to multiple grade levels in a single classroom. A single teacher managed all subjects and students of varying ages.
2. Strict Discipline: Strict discipline was prevalent, with teachers maintaining order and authority through physical punishment and other disciplinary methods.
3. Segregation: Segregation based on race and gender was common. Many schools were racially segregated, while coeducation (mixed-gender classes) was not widely practiced.
4. Limited Resources: Schools faced limitations in terms of resources and facilities. Learning materials were often scarce and outdated.
5. Emphasis on Basic Skills: The curriculum focused on foundational skills such as reading, writing, arithmetic, and practical subjects like agriculture and home economics.
6. Progressive Education: Towards the end of this period, progressive education ideas began to emerge, advocating for more student-centered and experiential learning methods.
7. School Attendance: School attendance laws and compulsory education policies were gradually introduced to ensure that children enrolled and continued their education.
8. High School Expansion: The early 20th century saw an increase in the number of high schools, but they were primarily reserved for the privileged and well-to-do.
9. Vocational Training: Vocational schools and institutions focused on providing practical skills for specific trades and industries.
10. Teacher Training: Teacher training institutions and certification programs were established to improve the quality of teaching.
11. Limited Higher Education: Higher education was relatively exclusive, with fewer institutions and a selective admission process.
12. Impact of World War I: World War I disrupted educational systems, as many teachers and students were involved in war-related efforts or experienced the impacts of the conflict directly.
13. Innovations: Despite the challenges, some innovative educational practices began to emerge, including outdoor classrooms, field trips, and experiential learning.
Overall, school life in the 1900s-1918s was characterized by limited resources, strict discipline, and a focus on basic skills, while progressive ideas for more child-centered education were gradually gaining momentum.