TIME AND LEARNING. THE MODEL OF RATIO STUDIORUM FROM THE XVI TO THE XIX CENTURY

Abstract

The relationship between education and time, in its theoretical, methodological and historical aspects, is a crucial aspect of the history of Western world. In contrast to social, economic and anthropological studies, which have attempted to capture the importance of the passing of days and seasons, time remains a lacuna in the history of education. The lack of a deep reflection on this topic is surprising. I shall examine the concept of time in relation to the history of education, to explore the different ideas of time that educationalists and teachers have expressed, in various countries. Attempts to standardize education, the organization of schools, and student timetables have been made over centuries. These models have crossed national borders and, because of their effectiveness, have had a widespread international reach. The most interesting case is that of the Jesuits. In fact, the purpose of the Ratio Studiorum was to organize school days and working times using a very accurate timetable that kept students busy throughout the year, according to the Church calendar. This pattern effectively became a model for the creation of colleges around the world.