Classical education is a model of learning that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This approach to education emphasizes the development of the whole person, including the mind, body, and spirit.
At the core of classical education are the classical disciplines of the Trivium and the Quadrivium. The Trivium includes grammar, logic, and rhetoric, while the Quadrivium includes geometry, arithmetic, music, and astronomy. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the classical education model and explore its benefits.
What is Classical Education?
Classical education is based on the premise that it is possible to learn through the senses, not just through memorization and rote learning. This is achieved by using methods based on the scientific method of observation, experimentation, and deduction. In addition, there are several other methods employed in Classical Education that include the use of analogy, reasoning, and imagination.
Why Classical Education?
The focus of the classical curriculum is on building a solid foundation of knowledge. The classical teacher emphasizes the importance of teaching children to think for themselves. As they grow older, the students continue their education through self-directed learning.
Students who have been taught through the classical method will have a broad base of knowledge that will serve them well throughout their lives. The classical curriculum prepares students for success in life by providing them with an excellent academic foundation.
Classical Education Models
The Classical Education Model is a method of education developed in the Western world. The model was used for most of human history for education. The model was first developed in the Middle Ages, and it is based on Greek and Roman Greek Education.
Classical education has divided its education model into three stages:
The Grammar Stage
The Grammar Stage is where students are taught about language, logic, and science. Students learn how to write, read, speak, listen, think, and understand. They are also taught how to do basic arithmetic. The goal of this stage is to teach children to communicate effectively.
Students in this grade (grades K-5) are taught grammar through a series of lessons that focus on speech, punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure.
The Logic or Dialectic Stage
The Logic Stage is where students are taught how to analyze and synthesize information. Students in this stage (grades 6-8) are taught logic through lessons that focus on reasoning and argument. Students learn how to think logically, reason, and communicate ideas, and they are taught to identify fallacies and use deductive logic.
The Rhetoric Stage
The Rhetoric Stage is where students are taught how to persuade others. Students in this stage (from grades 9) are taught rhetoric through lessons that focus on public speaking and writing. Students are taught how to write persuasively, analyze an argument, and present a persuasive case. Students learn how to develop a robust logical argument.
They also learn about rhetoric’s elements, including the parts of speech and the five rhetorical devices (persuasive language, dramatic appeal, analogy, enthymeme, and ethos). The final part of the Rhetoric Stage is the evaluation of students’ persuasive communication skills.
Benefits of the Classical Education Model
Benefits of the classical education model include:
- Teaching the basics of reading and writing in a more structured, organized way
- Providing children with a strong foundation for future learning
- Encouraging children to learn through play
- Teaching children about the world around them
- Teaching children that they are learners, not just consumers
- Developing a child’s curiosity, imagination, and wonderment
- Developing a child’s self-esteem
- Encouraging social interaction through play
Classical Education Philosophical Aspects
The philosophy goes back to the Greeks, and there are variations in the most esteemed classical education schools today.
Here are 7 Philosophy Aspects of Classical Education:
1. Trivium and Quadrivium
Classical education is grounded in the Trivium and Quadrivium. The Trivium is the three-fold path of grammar, logic, and rhetoric, and the Quadrivium is the four-fold path of arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy.
2. Chronological History
Classical education focuses on studying the historical development of human civilization from the beginning of recorded history. It is not necessary to know every single detail of anyone, period. However, it is essential to be able to describe the general course of human events from one period to another.
3. Humanist Education
Undergraduate liberal arts and sciences education should be rooted in the principles of humanism. At the same time, it should be broad enough to enable students to adjust to the rapid changes in the modern world and to face the challenges of the 21st century.
4. The Liberal Arts
The liberal arts are the foundational subjects of classical education, and they include literature, philosophy, history, and ethics, also referred to as the “core” subjects.
5. The Classical Languages
Classical languages are those in which ancient culture flourished. Greek and Latin are the most common examples. Modern English is a classical language, as the Roman Empire created it in England. In modern times, classical languages have been replaced by more modern languages, such as English.
6. Canonical Literature
Classical education is centered upon studying the great books of Western Civilization. This literature is divided into two groups. The first is the Canon, which is the works that have been found to be of the most enduring value, and the Second is the Commonplace.
This is the literature that has been written over the years since these books were published and which is not of enduring value. A third group is the Out of Print, which means that the book is not in print and may not be available anywhere.
7. Math and Science fundamentals
Classical education is built upon a firm foundation of math and science fundamentals. It is not an exaggeration to say that the mathematical worldview is the foundation of Western Civilization. While learning the fundamentals of math and science, the students learn how to think rather than memorize information.
Video credit – Memoria Press
FAQs on Classical Education
1. When Did Classical Education Began?
Classical education has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome, but most of the curriculum is rooted in the Renaissance. During this time, Western Europe began to expand its knowledge and learning after the fall of the Roman Empire.
2. Is Classical Education Hard?
A common misconception about classical education is that it is too complicated, thus only for the privileged few. The reality, however, is quite the opposite. It is actually relatively easy. It is easy to learn if you have a good teacher who can keep your attention, and it is easy to learn when you have a well-written textbook.
3. What Is Classical Education Curriculum?
The classical education curriculum is the primary form of education in the Roman Empire, and it was developed by the Roman Senate and had four main features.
The curriculum was designed to prepare students for their future careers. The goal of the curriculum was to provide a basic education that would prepare students for success in their future careers.
4. What Is Classical Style Education?
Classical education, or the classical approach, is an organization and methodology of learning based on the assumption that learning is a process of development of the human mind. This development aims to facilitate the student’s ability to reason rationally.
5. How Is Classical Education Different?
The primary difference between classical and progressive education is that the former is a more traditional, structured approach to education, while the latter is more open-ended and child-centered. In a classical approach, students are expected to master basic skills in the arts and sciences.
The teacher is the one who facilitates learning by providing information to the students. This method is usually used in a classroom setting for grades K – 12, and teachers use this method to impart their knowledge to the students.
6. How Does Classical Education Work?
Classical education is a method of teaching. It is the idea that learning begins with the head, but only a well-formed heart can hold onto what we have learned.
This method is old, but classical education is not a new idea, and it is based on the great thinkers of the past, such as Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero. The great thinkers of the past believed that true education begins with the head but that the heart is the center of the character.
7. Why Classical Education Is Important?
Classical education is about more than just learning facts and figures. It is about learning how to think. It is about developing the mind and cultivating virtues like intellectual curiosity, diligence, humility, and generosity. Moreover, it is about cultivating imagination, creativity, and empathy to help you live a good life in the world.
8. Classical Education Model Pros And Cons?
Here are some Pros of the Classical Education Model:
- It is a very holistic approach.
- It is adaptable.
- It is a very flexible approach.
- It is a very effective way of learning.
- It is a very effective way of teaching.
- It is a very effective way of learning and teaching.
Here are some Cons of the Classical Education Model:
- The Classical Education Model has some cons that make it less applicable in the 21st century, and not very useful in today’s world.
- Classical Education requires a lot of time, making it very time-consuming.
- The Classical Education Model may not be very relevant for today’s world.
- Classical Education may not adequately prepare students for college or the job market.
- The Classical Education Model may not be very practical.
- The Classical Education Model is relatively difficult.
9. What Are The Differences Between Classical Education And Progressive (Modern) Education?
Progressive (Modern) education is an approach to learning that emphasizes learning through experience. Progressive education is based on the idea that learning should be child-centered. The goal of progressive education is to help children develop their full potential.
The main difference between classical and progressive education is that the former is a more traditional, structured approach to education, while the latter is more open-ended and child-centered.
Conclusion:
We can say that Classical Education is a way of teaching children to think for themselves. It is a method based on the scientific method of observation, experimentation, and deduction. In addition, there are some other methods employed in Classical Education that include the use of analogy, reasoning, and imagination.
