Philosophical Foundations of U.S. Schools Chapter 4 Philosophical Foundations of U.S. Schools Developed by: Don Finn Regent University

Perennialism Purpose of Schooling To teach the eternal truths Cultivate the Rational intellect Develop the Spiritual Nature of the Individual Prepare for Life Highest Goal of Education is Union with God Education is preparation for Life Formal Education may end Learning is a lifelong process

Perennialism Nature of the Learner Rational Being with a Soul Exemplify Value and Worth

Perennialism Curriculum Strong Liberal Arts Curriculum Philosophy Mathematics *Geometry/ Algebra History Theology Physical & Life Sciences Geography Fine Arts Languages Political Science Humanities Literature (Great Books) Sociology Character Training Moral Development

Perennialism Instructional Methods Didactic Instruction Teacher Centered Method of instruction The Teacher Delivers and the Student Receives Coaching Socratic Method Critical Thinking Questioning Strategies Discussion Lecture

Perennialism Classroom Management Training the will Time on Task Precision Order Structure Regularity Prayer Contemplation

Perennialism Assessment Objective Exam Essay Exam

The Perennialist Teacher Educated in Liberal Arts Authority Figure Disseminator of “Truth” Director of Mental Calisthenics Intellectual Coach Rational – Logical Well Versed in Classics Scholar

Perennialist You Should Know Robert Hutchins 1899-1977 Univ. of Chicago President The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.

Perennialist You Should Know Mortimer Adler 1902-2001 The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live.

Paideia Project Video Example The Magic of Paideia Socratic Seminars How Socrates Stimulates the Brain