Monitorial System

The Monitorial System was an educational approach used in the 19th century where older or more advanced students, called monitors, helped teach their peers under the guidance of a single teacher. This method allowed a single teacher to oversee large groups of students efficiently, with monitors assisting in instructing and maintaining discipline. It aimed to expand access to schooling, making education more affordable and manageable, especially in settings with limited teachers. Essentially, it delegated some teaching responsibilities to capable students to facilitate learning in crowded classrooms.