School texts in the Comeniu’s Didactica Magna

Abstract

This article analyzes and interprets the function of the school texts proposed by João Amós Comênio (1592-1670), in the Didactics written in the middle of the 17th century. It was done a mapping a classic work of pedagogy to address the question of textbooks within the scope of the organization of didactic work, having in mind the historical context in the transition from the middle ages to a modern society with the emergence of manufactures, the initial form of capitalist production (mid-16th century to the last third of the 18th century), founded on the division of labor. Justifying the theoretical basis and reflections, in a historical perspective, it was prioritized as academic productions by Alves (2001, 2005, 2011, 2015), Centeno (2009), Brito (2010) and Souza (2010). The study revealed the central character of this instrument of work of the teacher in the organization of the modern public school designed by Comênio to offer education for all. Aware of the material limitation of his time to put into practice or execute the project of universal education, the Moravian thinker proposed the use of school texts for teachers and students, in all grades of public school, at the historical moment.