Character Profile Template

Introductory Information
Character’s Name
John Amos Comenius, one of the world’s greatest educators was committed to finding more effective ways for children to learn.
Birth–Death Years
1652-1670
Picture of Character: Find a digital photo of the individual and paste it here.

Most Noted For

Character Profile Report
Biographical Information: Include life experiences that impacted thoughts and impact on education.
Comenius was most noted for being the Father of modern education (Sadler 2013) Comenius was famous for his writings of the Great Didactica “The Whole Art of Teaching” which laid out steps that learning should occur starting with infancy (Spinka 1967)
Historical/Political Context: Explain the broader historical events that shaped the character’s era. This is not about the person’s accomplishments.
On the eve of March 28, 1592 John Amos Comenius (John Amos Komensky) was born in Nivnitz Moravia to Martin and Anna Komenskey. He was the youngest of five children who were all members of the Bohemian Brethren. His parents and two sisters died early in life from the plague which caused a disruption I John’s education (Sadler 2013). After moving in with relatives he was only afforded an impecunious education. After his early years of schooling John attended a preparatory school in Prerov and later became the director of the same school years later. He later decided to become a priest and continue his education in Hernborn, a German city in the state of Hesse where he became a pastor at Fulnick. After his reign as pastor he went into exile because of the Thirty Years War and when it was over he retreated to Poland where he lost his first wife Magdalena and their two children. Comenius traveled the world during his lifetime. He succumbed November 14, 1670 at the age of seventy-eight.

Beliefs on Education: Describe what thoughts were promoted about education.
As a result of the Thirty Years War Comenius was forced into exile. The outbreak of the war resulted in the persecution of the Brethren by invading Hapsburg armies (Gutek 1995). This is turn, affected Comenius greatly since he no longer had his flock to congregate with. He spent a majority of his time writing and eventually leading the Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart which was based on his life experiences. His use of modern didactic teachings was brought on by the inefficient methods that were used to teach Latin (Spinka 1967). Comenius thought it was better to teach about things rather than language which were affectionately called “nature’s way (Comenius 1896).” He would eventually write a book aimed to teach Latin to beginners. This book was composed of eight thousand words and it was designed to make teaching Latin easier. Comenius was a faithful believer that lessons should begin from easy to complex at a slow pace to ensure the information is learned (Comenius 1896).

Impact on Education: How did this person’s beliefs and actions affect education?
During the 17th Century children were expected to memorize, recite and recall information that was taught in the classrooms.