One of the things our principal does on a regular basis is copy and paste a pre-cooked idea for us to use. At least I think that is what it is about. It is part of the Common Core Project Based Learning. The title of the most recent caught my attention because it made me think about the difference between modern education and education in the classic sense.
The headline had to do with Pandora Radio. This is one of those applications on-line that allows you to find music. The kids already know about it and probably used it when it was the latest cool thing. It is now almost 20 years old so qualifies as geriatric. There is no learning going on, only trying to find something in the common culture that will grab the students interest, sound like fun and trick them into learning. Modern education follows that track.
Classical education says that there is wisdom to be learned from the ancients. You might even learn from your parents. It looks to the lessons already mined and tries to get students to wrestle with the vast sea of knowledge available that has been tried, tested and applied for centuries. After you get the foundation and background you are able to go out and change your world.
Common Core wants you to fit into the culture and have fun. Classic education wants you to challenge the culture and have a purpose. If your background in the Greek myths is not up to date you might need to be told that Pandora’s box was the source of all the evil in the world. Good analogy, educators.
Give me the classics.
homo unius libri
Pretty ironic. I always wondered why the app was named Pandora.
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind that modern culture does not consider deceit and adultery issues of morality.
DeleteGrace and peace.
That's what happens when leader is dumber than his troops.
ReplyDeleteAnd that is saying a lot.
DeleteGrace and peace.