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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. Perennialism Assessment
Objective Exam Essay Exam

8. 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

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

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

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