EDMUND RICE AND SCHOOL DISCIPLINE
Edmund Rice founded the Brothers in 1802.
At the time the Monitorial System of schooling was in vogue for the teaching of the poor.
Teaching at this time was neither compulsory, free, nor secular.
The Monitorial System involved one trained teacher organizing the instruction of large numbers of pupils in one large room with the assistance of senior pupils – Monitors.
In effect the Master taught the Monitors and the Monitors taught the classes.
Rice sought to create a new education system with a milder, more compassionate approach to children within this model.