Roger Ascham
Early Life
Roger Ascham was born in 1515 near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, England. His parents, John and Margaret Ascham, were of the yeoman class. His father died when he was a child, leaving his mother to raise him and his three siblings. Despite their modest means, Ascham's mother recognized his intellectual potential and arranged for him to receive an education.
Education
Ascham attended the local grammar school before being sent to Cambridge in 1530. There, he studied Greek and Latin, demonstrating a particular aptitude for languages. He was elected a fellow of St. John's College in 1534 and began teaching Greek and Latin at the university. His teaching methods, which emphasized understanding over rote memorization, were considered innovative for the time.
Career
Ascham's reputation as a scholar and teacher led to his appointment as the tutor to Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I) in 1548. He taught her Greek and Latin, and their lessons often included discussions on philosophy, politics, and the arts. Ascham also served as Latin Secretary to Queen Mary, Elizabeth's half-sister, from 1553 to 1558.
In addition to his roles in the royal court, Ascham continued to write and publish works on education and language. His most famous work, The Scholemaster, published posthumously in 1570, outlined his views on education and teaching methods.
Contributions to Education
Ascham's contributions to education were significant. He advocated for the use of the 'double translation' method in language learning, where a student translates a text from the original language to their own, and then back again. This method, he believed, would lead to a deeper understanding of the language and its nuances.
Ascham also emphasized the importance of understanding over memorization in learning. He believed that students should be encouraged to think critically and engage with the material, rather than simply memorizing facts or texts. This approach was considered innovative at the time, and it continues to influence modern teaching methods.
Personal Life
Ascham married Margaret Howe in 1554. They had three children together, two daughters and a son. Despite his busy career, Ascham was known to be a devoted family man. He enjoyed playing chess and was an avid archer, even writing a treatise on the subject, Toxophilus, in 1545.
Death and Legacy
Ascham died in 1568 at the age of 53. His legacy lives on in his contributions to education and language learning. His works, particularly The Scholemaster, continue to be studied and referenced in discussions on education theory.