We thank Classical Academic Press and the author, Dr. Christopher Perrin for allowing us to post this article.
For many years ACS has established that Scripture at every point is the foundation on which to build all knowledge. ACS approach towards Christian education coheres better with a biblical view of man, who is not perfect and where the beginning of knowledge can be found through God. Secular educational theory views man as inherently good and, if left to his own devices, will choose the right thing. This is why ACS will be continuing to teach from a biblical worldview in all subjects, while at the same time embracing a classical method that will implement reading in the classics and student engagement around Socratic discussion.
Classical methodology capitalizes on the strengths of God's creative work by requiring of a child what he is best equipped to do: memorization—grammar stage; argument—logic stage; analysis and expression—rhetoric stage.
By embracing the Classical method, we add ways for the learner to acquire information, grasp it intellectually, and use it purposefully. It teaches them not to simply learn a subject but how to think.
Good Soil: A Comparative Study of Association of Classical Christian School Alumni Life Outcomes
Release date: January 27, 2020: 2018–19 comparative study of 24-to 42-year-old alumni from public, secular private, Catholic, evangelical Christian, religious homeschool, and ACCS (classical Christian) schools, on topics of life choices, preparation, attitudes, values, opinions, and practices.
ESTABLISHING A CHRISTIAN CLASSICAL EDUCATION APPROACH
The goal of education in ancient and medieval times was to teach children how to think and learn for themselves. They were given the tools of learning and then taught how to apply those tools of learning to any subject they encountered.
We call this the TRIVIUM
The Trivium is nothing more than a proven and very practical approach to education that works. It is an instructional model that (1) is a common-sense way of looking at subjects, (2) approaches the study of subjects in a way that naturally fits with how we learn, and (3) tailors curriculum content to a child’s cognitive development.
Grammar stage (grades K–5th) involves learning the fundamentals of a language and how to use it properly. Students would primarily use these methods: memorization, recitation, games, oral drills, practice, written and oral exercises, flash cards.
Logic stage (grades 6–8) trains a person in good reasoning so they properly understand questions and make good arguments; the study of logic is built on formal logic which allows a person to follow the logic of an argument. Students would primarily use these methods: questioning, debate, investigation, research, literature, and discussions.
Rhetoric stage (grades 9–12) would find students using abstract thinking, delving deep into curricular materials, using knowledge and understanding in application to life issues, writing and presenting research. Students would use these methods: essays, oral presentations, debate, defense papers, cross-curricular projects and written expression.
WHAT IS CHRISTIAN CLASSICAL EDUCATION?
