La necesidad de un nuevo sistema de educación pública para Venezuela. Ideas pedagógicas de Francisco Michelena y Rojas (1801-1876)

Abstract

The article explores the pedagogical ideas of Francisco Michelena y Rojas (1801-1876) in the context of the construction of the Venezuelan educational system from 1830 onwards. Methodologically, the study is based on the analysis of a complete edition of Reformas Legales of 1837, examining Michelena's views on education, popular instruction, the organisation of the educational system and the role of the state in economic development. His thought highlights pedagogical ideas relevant to education in the context of modernity. The study highlights his proposal for a new educational system that would include primary, secondary technical and higher education, adapted to the needs of the country. It also examines his approaches to women's education and the need to teach in the mother tongue, as well as his criticisms of traditional education and his advocacy of technical schools where scientific knowledge is applied to industry. It is argued that Michelena saw ignorance as the main cause of backwardness in American nations and that education was essential for development and social progress. Being a first approach to the author's pedagogical ideas, it opens a field of reflection and study regarding the pedagogical ideas that shape the systems of public instruction in the Venezuelan and Latin American 19th century.