This study examined the influence of John Calvin in education, as well as those
influences that affected him. It examined his writings to determine if his vision, as to the
scope of education and its purpose, made him an innovator. The research searched for
reforms in the areas of curriculum, understanding of the teaching office, and universal
education. It also looked at philosophy, economics, and labor.
Schools existed in Geneva before Calvin arrived in 1536; however, they did not
function in the way that Calvin would have liked. Calvin provided the elementary
students with a needed text when he prepared a catechism. The students had written
material that they could read and study and a systematic presentation of the basic
doctrines of the Christian faith. Calvin also wanted more appropriate facilities in which
the students could learn. Although his organization of the schools improved the