author
Georg Kerschensteiner
1854–1932
A leading German education reformer, he argued that schools should connect learning with real work and civic responsibility. His ideas helped shape vocational education and the “work school” movement in the early 20th century.
1 Audiobook
Begriff der Arbeitsschule
by Georg Kerschensteiner
About the author
Born in Munich on July 29, 1854, Georg Kerschensteiner became one of Germany’s most influential educational thinkers. He taught mathematics and physics, then served for many years as director of Munich’s public schools before later becoming a professor at the University of Munich.
He is best known for developing the idea of the Arbeitsschule, or “work school,” which emphasized learning through practical activity rather than rote memorization alone. He also played a major role in the growth of vocational education in Germany and believed schooling should help form capable, responsible citizens.
Kerschensteiner died in Munich on January 15, 1932. His work remained important well beyond his lifetime, especially in discussions of civic education, hands-on learning, and the relationship between school and everyday life.