Reflections on the Teaching of Gerbert of Aurillac
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Cavicchi_Reflections_Gerbert_Teaching_Orbe_Novus_2010.pdf
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10.72 MB
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Adobe PDF
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Author(s)
Cavicchi, Elizabeth
Date Issued
2010
Journal
Orbe Novus
Publisher
Universitalia
Citation
Cavicchi, Elizabeth. “Reflections on the Teaching of Gerbert of Aurillac,” in C. Sigismondi (Ed.), Orbe Novus (pp. 7-21). Rome, Italy: Universitalia, 2010.
Version
Final published version
Abstract
For one born to French peasants, Gerbert took advantage of exceptional educational opportunities: monastic training at Aurillac; mathematical studies in Spain; tutoring the Pope and Emperor in Rome. Serving Reims cathedral school for twenty-five years, Gerbert transformed its curriculum and practices; his students disseminated these innovations across Europe. Gerbert's teaching was research: seeking out unsanctioned, classical texts; analyzing mathematical arguments; observing the sky. His students did what they learned: speaking; observing; making music. He invented instructional instruments: diagrams; an abacus; astronomical spheres. He nurtured relationships of trust among teachers and students. Gerbert's creativity is a provocative impetus for us to face pedagogic inadequacies and develop responsive teaching that stands the test of time.
MIT Department
Edgerton Center (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
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DOI of Published Version
http://www.icra.it/solar/gerbert/orbenovus.pdf