This is part 1.2 in a series of posts that include some of the key ideas in my upcoming book on a Christian approach to education. The book has a working title "Truth & Love." Click on that category to see all of the posts and subscribe for details on the upcoming launch. In sharp … Continue reading Theocracy and Education
Formal education still has to wake up to the fact that a human being is more than just a walking brain - or at least figure out some way to measure academic growth besides standardized tests!
Why do some babies believe it is possible to reach the Cheerio while others are content to wait for someone to bring it over and start spoon-feeding? I would suggest that this has more to do with the ego of the teacher than many of us educators are willing to recognize.
When the ‘Tao’ becomes a product of the educational system, it no longer has the power to keep mankind from destroying himself through utter submission to natural and irrational impulses. These will be exercised by a few over all the rest in a haphazard manner that invites no judgement of good or evil because these concepts in themselves are open to being shaped by those who happen to be in power at the moment.
We must see through some things, but Lewis suggests that humanity itself should not be on the agenda for a reduction to some element of nature that can be manipulated and changed.
It has already taken several readings to grasp a basic understanding of the brilliance contained within this little book (it is less than 100 pages). However, I think it well worth the time spent to understand the ideas it proposes and will probably continue to dig for what I think is the hidden solution to a balanced educational approach that can develop the individuals sense of morality without forcing them to embrace the academic anorexia that plagues the contemporary college and high school campus experience.
The appeal by Lewis to a transcendent universal standard creates the space required for a democratic approach to education reform. If the standard is universal, every person has some idea of what it might look like and can participate in the process of building a new system. On the other hand, if the standard is arbitrary, then only those with power, authority, and credentials have the ability to propose changes for reasons only they can understand.
It’s easy to be dazzled by new technology, but it’s important not to let it overshadow the human element of education. Source: An iPad Can't Be a Mentor - Education and Career News
In an attempt not to teach any values, the value of facts also disappears leaving students with no incentive to learn - except perhaps the fear of bad grades. It seems like we must either embrace some standard of value (or angle of truth) in order to make the learning experience have any significance for the student.
Changing the world is more accessible to all of us today than ever before, but this does not mean the challenge is any easier than it was a thousand years ago. The most difficult person to change is often the one who is closest to us. In fact, changing our own minds can sometimes seem like an impossible feat.
Human-Centered Learning 