John Locke
John Locke (1632–1704)
Key Contribution / Core Idea
Proposed the idea of the “tabula rasa” (blank slate) — children are shaped by experience rather than innate ideas.
Background / Context
English philosopher of the Enlightenment, writing at a time when education was primarily for the elite. His work influenced both political philosophy and early childhood education.
Main Theories / Methods
Children’s minds are blank slates at birth; knowledge comes from experience.
Education should shape character and reasoning, not just rote learning.
Emphasised discipline, habits, and moral education.
Relevance to Modern KS3/4 Teaching
Still relevant in debates about nature vs nurture.
Supports the idea that all students can learn if given the right environment and experiences.
Encourages teachers to provide rich experiences beyond textbooks.
How His Ideas Link to Others
Precursor to Rousseau’s natural development ideas.
Early foundation for Piaget’s later focus on children’s cognitive development.
Strengths and Appeal
Democratic: implies any child can achieve given opportunity.
Stressed moral and practical education, not just academic.
Criticisms and Limitations
Overly passive view of children as “empty vessels.”
Ignores innate abilities and differences.
Legacy / Lasting Influence
Basis for modern child-centred education.
Influenced later reformers like Rousseau and Dewey.
Further Reading
Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning Education (1693).