John Angelo Lester

JAL portrait NG aug 22 1913

John Angelo Lester (born 1871, died 1969) was an American educator and author, known for his contributions to the field of education and his work in the development of educational psychology. He was a prominent figure in the early 20th century, influencing the way education was approached in the United States.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

John Angelo Lester was born in 1871 in New York City. He attended Columbia University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1893. He later pursued a master's degree in education, which he completed in 1895. Lester was deeply influenced by the educational theories of John Dewey, a leading figure in the progressive education movement.

Career[edit | edit source]

Lester began his career as a teacher in the New York public school system. His innovative teaching methods quickly gained attention, and he was soon appointed as a professor of education at Teachers College, Columbia University. During his tenure, he focused on the application of psychological principles to education, a field that would later be known as educational psychology.

Contributions to Educational Psychology[edit | edit source]

Lester's work in educational psychology was pioneering. He emphasized the importance of understanding the mental processes of students to improve teaching methods. His research contributed to the development of standardized testing and the use of psychological assessments in schools. Lester's publications, including "The Psychology of Learning" (1910) and "Educational Measurements" (1922), are considered foundational texts in the field.

Later Years and Legacy[edit | edit source]

In his later years, Lester continued to write and lecture on education. He retired from Teachers College in 1940 but remained active in the academic community until his death in 1969. His contributions to educational psychology and his advocacy for progressive education have left a lasting impact on the field.