The Values of J.J. Rousseau’s Pedagogy in the Context of the Key Skills of the Contemporary Education

Abstract

The study attempts to carry out a critical analysis of the pedagogical thoughts of J.J. Rousseau, contained in its eighteenth-century publication entitled Emile, or on education. Overview quotes, tips, suggestions, and assumptions of education were analysed in conjunction with the main directions of education in the twenty-first century and the most desirable competencies, giving the younger generation a good start to life in the global world. These skills, known as the 4Cs include: 1) critical thinking and problem solving, 2) communication, 3) collaboration, 4) creativity and innovation. The results of the analysis indicate inspirational compatibility of the two of them with J.J. Rousseau’s views, that is: critical thinking, and creativity and innovation. The other two, that is: communication and collaboration, were not appreciated by the thinker so much. Some of his other ideas on education were controversial, such as teaching of reading no sooner than at the age of 12, or not teaching foreign language too soon.