Classical Education: An Overview

Classical education is an educational approach that has been practiced for centuries. The roots can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where the emphasis was on developing well-rounded individuals who possessed a broad range of knowledge and skills. This approach to education has had a profound impact on Western civilization, shaping the minds of great thinkers, leaders, and innovators throughout history. Its popularity decreased around 1900 due to the progress of modern education, but it has experienced a resurgence in the last 40 years that only keeps growing. Classical education focuses on teaching children how to learn rather than simply what to learn, nurturing their natural abilities and fostering a love for knowledge.

The Trivium

Classical education is divided into three stages called The Trivium: the grammar stage, the dialectic stage, and the rhetoric stage. Each stage builds upon the previous one, providing a solid foundation for lifelong learning.

The Grammar Stage

In the grammar stage, students are introduced to the basic building blocks of knowledge. They learn facts, memorize information, and develop essential language and communication skills.

The Dialectic Stage

During the dialectic stage, students begin to analyze and question the information they have learned. They develop critical thinking skills, learn to make connections between different subjects, and engage in lively discussions and debates.

The Rhetoric Stage

The rhetoric stage focuses on effective communication and expression. Students learn to articulate their thoughts clearly, write persuasive essays, and deliver compelling speeches. They also delve deeper into advanced subjects and develop a deeper understanding of complex concepts.

The Benefits

Classical education offers numerous benefits to students. By focusing on the fundamentals and the natural abilities of children, it equips them with valuable skills that are applicable across various disciplines and professions. The emphasis on critical thinking, logic, and effective communication fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

Furthermore, classical education encourages a holistic approach to learning, nurturing not only cognitive development but also moral, virtue, and character formation. Students are exposed to the great works of literature, art, and philosophy, which helps them develop a deep appreciation for beauty, truth, and goodness. In its pursuit of the whole human, it also encompasses a biblical worldview integrating subjects within one another while pointing back to Christ and his creation.

The Art of Learning

"Is it not the great defect of our education to-day (—a defect traceable through all the disquieting symptoms of trouble that I have mentioned—) that although we often succeed in teaching our pupils “subjects,” we fail lamentably on the whole in teaching them how to think? They learn everything, except the art of learning. " - Dorothy Sayers, The Lost Tools of Learning

One of the core principles of classical education is the belief that children have natural abilities and an innate desire to learn. Rather than imposing a rigid curriculum, classical education seeks to cultivate these abilities by providing a rich, contemplative, and engaging educational experience.

By teaching children how to learn, they become equipped with the tools necessary to pursue knowledge independently throughout their lives. This approach fosters a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom, empowering students to become lifelong learners and seekers of Truth.