Abstract

One-room schoolhouses are the foundation of education in Eastern Kentucky. As a former teacher-training school, Eastern Kentucky University is home to the Granny Richardson Springs schoolhouse. In uncovering the history of the Granny Richardson Springs schoolhouse, the importance of community connection to schooling is revealed. Within the transition from one-room schools to consolidation, the connection to community is lost due to a transfer in administrative responsibilities. In analyzing the community integration of one-room schools, the typical school day, subject material, and common classroom items in a one-room schoolhouse are discussed. One-room schoolhouses are the first example of implementing community-based education and have earned their space in educational history. Interviews with former teachers, including the last teacher at the Granny Richardson Springs schoolhouse, and other Eastern Kentucky educators uncover the importance of student desire to learn. Educational theorists in support of community-based education are outlined, including the views of John Dewey. Former educators and theorists agree that community-based education encourages student love of learning. How can we apply community-based education today? Numerous examples community-based education such as Foxfire pedagogy, as well as narratives of Eastern Kentucky educators explain how community-based strategies can be used to improve education. Through community-based education, student love of learning can be restored.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 2016

Mentor

Robert S. Weise

Mentor Professional Affiliation

History

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Mathematics and Statistics

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