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Roger Ascham (c. 1515 - 30 December 1568) was a renowned English scholar and didactic writer, famously recognized for his work, 'The Scholemaster'. This treatise, first published posthumously in 1570, is an eloquent exposition on the art of teaching and the method of learning Latin literature. 'The Scholemaster' was written as a reaction to the brutal educational methods of the time and promotes a more gentle and loving approach to instruction, a philosophy that stemmed from Ascham's humanist beliefs. Ascham's contributions extend beyond his insights into educational practices; he is also acknowledged for his advocacy of the use of the English language in scholarship, at a time when Latin dominated the intellectual landscape. His literary style is known for its clarity, accessibility, and the use of the vernacular, which helped bridge the gap between the learned and the laity. As a tutor to Queen Elizabeth I, he played an influential role in shaping the intellectual milieu of the English Renaissance. Ascham's legacy as a pedagogue and a humanist continues to be acknowledged in educational discourse to this day.
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