Schools of medieval monasteries: Social dynamics, didactic and pedagogy

Abstract

Monasteries were great centers of civilization in the Middle Age. Their influence and power extrapolated purely religious and spiritual aspects. In its interior, the monk basically dedicated himself to prayers and work (ora et labora), but there was also room for studying and reading. In Medieval Europe, studying was a privilege of the few, and luxury of the clergy and nobility. Basically, there were schools in church institutions, parishes, cathedrals and monasteries. However, it was in the monasteries that the school had more effectiveness and organization. Almost all of them had schools that prepared their novices to the monastic life. Reading and writing allowed the integration of the monk in the liturgical complex arrangement of monastic life. The ultimate goal of education was not knowledge itself, but salvation. This article analyzes the social dynamics, the didactic and pedagogy inside a monastic school.

Keywords: Middle Age, monasteries, school, education.