A PROJECT FOR MODERNIZATION

The Residencia de Estudiantes played a key role in the project of modernization led by the Institución Libre de Enseñanza (ILE), created in 1876 by a group of professors expelled from the university for their defense of academic freedom. Francisco Giner de los Ríos, Gumersindo Azcarate, and Nicolás Salmerón were among them.

Their educational ideas advocated the teaching of both sciences and humanities and the dialogue between them; they were in favor of freedom of teaching and scientific research and considered education as an ongoing process. They abolished exams and established a tutorial system, and made experience -based on the observation and enjoyment of nature- the main source of knowledge.

The Institución Libre de Enseñanza championed social and gender equality, women's rights, the pursuit of peace and cooperation among nations, and the preservation of the environment.

After being reinstated in their university chairs in 1881, Giner and his colleagues in the ILE continued being a source of inspiration for the scientific and educational policies of the Liberal governments, starting with the creation of the Museo Pedagógico Nacional (1882), directed by Manuel B. Cossio and conceived as the main instrument for reform. Subsequently, they promoted new institutions, such as the Commission (1883) and the Institute of Social Reforms (1903), which developed the first Social Security plans, the Ministry of Education (1900), and finally, the most important of all, the Junta para Ampliación de Estudios e Investigaciones Científica (1907) and its centers (1910).