THE HISTORY OF ADULT EDUCATION IN KIRTLAND, OHIO, A Dissertation. Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the

Transcription

1 THE HISTORY OF ADULT EDUCATION IN KIRTLAND, OHIO, A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Education in the College of Graduate Studies University of Idaho by Bruce Kelly Satterfield December 2002 Major Professor: Mark L. McCaslin, Ph.D.

2 ii AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT DISSERTATION This dissertation of Bruce Kelly Satterfield, submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy with a major in Education and titled, The History of Adult Education in Kirtland, Ohio, , has been reviewed in final form. Permission, as indicated by the signatures and dates given below, is now granted to submit final copies to the College of Graduate Studies for approval. Major Professor Committee Members Date Mark L. McCaslin Michael E. Tomlin Roger L. Reynoldson John C. Thomas Department Administrator Discipline s College Dean Jim Gregson Jeanne Christiansen Final Approval and Acceptance by the College of Graduate Studies Charles R. Hatch

3 iii Abstract The problem this study focused on concerned a series of adult education schools in Kirtland, Ohio, during the 1830's that resembled more of the best practices of current adult education than it did the popular institutions of its own day. Yet, these schools are never discussed in histories of adult education. The reason for this oversight is that the information regarding these schools is scattered and not readily available. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to write a history of the adult education programs located in Kirtland, Ohio, between 1833 to 1837 under the direction Joseph Smith, the founder and head of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church), by bringing together in one place the scattered information presently available; (2) to compare what we know of the Kirtland adult education programs against the best practices of adult education today. The study utilized the historical method in searching sources for historical facts found in the official histories of the LDS church, parrticipant s journals, diaries, autobiographies, newspapers, interviews, and minutes of meetings. From these sources, the history of the adult education schools in Kirtland was pieced together. A picture emerged of a group of people united by the same religious organization who felt that both religious and secular education are essential. The LDS church sponsored a variety of adult education schools so adults could receive the religious and secular education they desired. When examining these schools, it was observed that their practices were similar to current adult educational practices.

4 iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I wish to acknowledge a number of individuals at the University of Idaho to whom I owe a great debt of gratitude. I express appreciation for Dr. Cleve Taylor and Dr. Jack Kaufman, both whom have recently retired from the faculty of the University of Idaho. I am very grateful for their help through my course work. I also am very appreciative of Dr. Michael E. Tomlin who advised through the transition from my former topic to this dissertation study. He was always so helpful and encouraging. Likewise, I express gratitude for Dr. Roger L. Reynoldson, who has been the one constant on my committee. His advice to me the first year of my course work as well as his insights into this study have been muchly appreciated. I also wish to acknowledge the great help and insight given me by Dr. John C. Thomas of Brigham Young University - Idaho. Both his time and insights into this study have been of unmeasurable worth. He has been extremely helpful as a sounding board during the writing of this dissertational study. Finally, I express many, many thanks for Dr. Mark. L McCaslin, who has been unfailingly supportive of this study. His encouragement through the last few years has been one of the main reasons I have been able to accomplish this study. I also wish to acknowledge all my colleagues at Brigham Young University - Idaho who have been a constant source of encouragement through this experience. Also, to my parents who have helped me through the whole doctoral process financially and with words of encouragement, I express my deepest love and gratitude. Most importantly, to my dear wife, friend, and companion, Carol, you have been my constant strength and bulwark. I love you.

5 v To my wife Carol and my children Rivka, Samuel, Benjamin, Sheynah, and Neisah

6 vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Page AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT... ABSTRACT... ACKNOWLEDGMENTS... DEDICATION... LIST OF TABLES... ii iii iv v xi CHAPTERS I. INTRODUCTION... 1 Background to the Problem... 1 Early American Adult Education... 2 The Junto... 3 The Lyceum... 5 Later Programs... 6 The Problem... 7 The Purpose of this Study... 9 Research Questions Delimitations and Limitations Significance of the Study Definition of Terms Conclusion... 14

7 vii II. PROCEDURE Rationale for Qualitative Research Historical Inquiry: Finding a Place Within the Traditions Assumptions of Qualitative Research The Research Design The Role of the Researcher Data Collection Procedures Methods of Verification Outcome of the Study and its Relation to the Literature III. THE HISTORICAL AND SOCIETAL SETTING The National Setting Religious Climate Educational Climate Ohio The LDS Church Origins Move to Ohio Three Fundamental Doctrines Revelation Missionary Work Education Summary... 52

8 IV. THE WINTER OF : ADULT EDUCATION IN KIRTLAND,OHIO.. 54 D&C 88: The Command to Organize a School The Revelation The Command The Name The Mission of the School Who Was to Attend? Who Were the Teachers? The Curriculum Personal Code of Conduct Class Room Conduct Initiation Into the School The School Commences The School Room Who Attended? Daily Class Routine The Teachers Presidency of the School Outcome of the First Session Summary V. THE WINTER OF : ADULT EDUCATION EXPANDS IN KIRTLAND The Winter of viii

9 A Building to Meet In School of the Elders The Kirtland School The Winter of Session The Spring-Summer of 1835 Session Summary VI. FROM THE WINTER OF 1835 THROUGH THE SUMMER OF 1837: FURTHER EXPANSION OF ADULT EDUCATION IN KIRTLAND A Proliferation of Schools The Fall of The Elder s School Night Schools Who Taught the Night Schools? Lyceums Come to Kirtland The Winter of Elder s School Other Schools The Hebrew School Why Hebrew? A Search For a Teacher The School Begins Joshua Seixas Seixas Begins Instruction ix

10 Who Attended? School Divided Into Classes Results From the Summer of 1836 to the Summer of Adult Education Comes to an End in Kirtland Summary VII. KIRTLAND ADULT EDUCATION AND MODERN PRACTICES A Comparison to Current Best Practices Summary of Findings What May We Learn From This? Suggestions for Further Research Conclusion REFERENCES APPENDICES Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C x

11 xi LIST OF TABLES TABLE Page 1. Curriculum of the School of the Prophets... 67