First reform of the Smolniy institute (from the history of the initial formation of the system of women's education in Russia): 1783-1785

This article looks at the phenomenon of Smolniy Institute, the first state run educational establishment for women, in the context of general educational policy. As thought out by Empress Catherine II and her supporters, an enlightened and educated mother or mentor was to play an important role in the modernization of the country, which was happening at an accelerated pace. It became clear two decades after the foundation of the women's institute that it needed restructuring. Reformation of the institute was one of the tasks of the Commission of establishment of common population's colleges (1782), which was headed by the future minister of people's education P.V. Zavadovskiy. Serbian teacher F.I. Jankovich de Mirievo had experience of reforming the advanced (for its time) Austrian educational system, and he became the author of the new teaching system at the Smolniy Institute. All aspects of teaching at the institute were transformed -teaching plans, methods of teaching, establishment of teaching literature, choice of teaching staff. Teaching of the native tongue was the main change, its status was raised, and more time was devoted to its study. New methods touched pedagogy itself, aiming to make the students think consciously about the information they have learnt. Teachers from France, who had low levels of competence, were gradually replaced by well-prepared Russian teachers. This became part of the policy. Members of the Commission kept a watchful eye on the proceedings in order to ensure successful transition and implementation. The author of the article concludes that development of women's schools, whose teaching programs covered large areas in sync with the Age of Enlightenment, proceeded similarly to the general developments in the Russian educational system.