John Amos Comenius was a 17th century educator who sought to bring universal education to all people. He believed that common textbooks, schools, and a shared research college could help lift everyone from darkness of ignorance. Comenius hoped a universal language could unite all and that standardized education could end barbarism by teaching virtue and moral decision making. His vision of universal education for all still influences systems today with standards across nations and levels.

1. JOHN AMOS COMENIUS
PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES, NOT ONLY FOR ALL NATIONS AND TONGUES
AND ORDERS OF MEN, BUT FOR EVERY SINGLE INDIVIDUAL TO RISE
OUT OF THE DARKNESS OF IGNORANCE AND BARBARISM
COMMON TEXTBOOKS, COMMON SCHOOLS, A COMMON RESEARCH
COLLEGE OF LEARNED MEN, AND A COMMON LANGUAGE

2. LIFE OF COMENIUS
Born: 1592
Parents Died Age 12
Educated by Unity of the
Brethren and later led the
church as its Presiding Bishop
Wife and Child died from
plague during 30 year war
(1621)
Died: 1671

3. UNIVERSALITY
• Sought to bring enlightenment and education to the world.
• Hoped that a universal language (the language of Christ) would unite
everyone.
• Teachers need to lead by example and children should be protected from evil
influences and be taught discipline.
• We should strive to teach and learn virtuous principles so we can make moral
decisions.
• Having a standard of education he hoped would end ignorance and barbarism.

4. COMENIUS’ INFLUENCE TODAY
• We see a separation of education levels; primary, secondary, college,
university.
• Consistent standard of education across the nation; English, Math, Science.
• Universal Textbooks – often containing pictures to involve more senses.
• Education offered to all, regardless of social background.
• A striving to enlighten and bring knowledge of all to all.

5. SOURCES
• Gundem, B. B. (1992). `Vivat comenius': A commemorative essay on johann
amos comenius, 1592-1670. Journal of Curriculum & Supervision, 8(1), 43-
55.
• Hábl, J. (2011). Character formation: A forgotten theme of comenius's
didactics. Journal of Education & Christian Belief, 15(2), 141-152.
• Stroope, M. W. (2005). The legacy of john amos comenius. International
Bulletin of Missionary Research, 29(4), 204-208.
• Photo located at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Johan_amos_comenius_1592-1671.jpg
accessed Sept 15 2013.