The Child Study Movement

The Child Study Movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing systematic observation and research to understand children's developmental needs and abilities. Its goal was to improve education and child welfare by studying how children think, learn, and grow. This movement promoted the use of scientific methods to inform teaching practices, focusing on individual differences and developmental stages. It was a foundational step toward modern educational psychology, advocating for tailored educational approaches based on thorough, empirical understanding of children's needs rather than rigid, traditional methods.