The Influence of Adolf von Clauson-Kaas on the Development of the Subject of Craft in Estonia

Craft has been included as a general development subject in the curriculum of Estonian general education schools since 1894. In this work, the aim was to analyse the influence of Danish pedagogue Adolf von Clauson-Kaas on the development of craft as a school subject in Estonia. The main method used in this study was historical research through documentary analysis. Particular attention was paid to Clauson-Kaas’s views on the role of craft in children’s general development. Clauson-Kaas’s views were also compared with the progressive pedagogical ideas that came to Estonia from other parts of the world in the nineteenth century, including craft becoming a subject and awareness of the educational importance craft. Clauson-Kaas repeatedly visited Estonia in 1878 to introduce his ideas and organise courses for local elementary school teachers, which received wide press attention. As a result of his visits, an Estonian association was formed to promote crafts in the city and in the countryside (Verein zur Förderung des Hausfleisses in Stadt und Land). Craft was taught in 1881 at two seminars in Tartu and in 35 country schools. From the point of view of the development of Estonian education in the nineteenth century, Clauson-Kaas’s primary contribution was the introduction of craft as a subject.