Cognitive, Moral, and Ethical Development
Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, Thomas Jefferson, and Shakespeare are among the world’s most impactful innovators. One commonality of these influential thinkers is their classical education, which was crucial to their success. This traditional education allowed them to pave the way to a new world.
According to the Manhattan Institute, “Modern classical education is inspired by the ancient Greek and Roman traditions of art, literature, and language that are the foundation of Western civilization.” Classical education highlights the study of classical languages, literature, history, philosophy, and science. It prioritizes three stages: grammar (grades K-4), logic (grades 5-6), and rhetoric (grades 7-8). These stages make up the Trivium and emphasize knowledge, skill, and understanding. They are pivotal in shaping young minds.
Classical education is important for early learners and has many benefits. These benefits include its emphasis on language as the foundation of thought, including French and Latin languages, and its use of the Socratic Method. Through the Classical Education Model, students learn to think deeply, ask questions, express profound ideas clearly, and interact intelligently with the world around them. They learn how to be active participants in their daily lives.
Core Principles of Classical Education
Classical education allows students to gain a deeper understanding of intellectual inquiry. The classroom environment is characterized by ‘productive discomfort,’ not intimidation, where questions and discussion are the norm. Students interact with and think about the material. According to the Manhattan Institute, “Reading comprehension requires more of the student than parroting a written passage—careful analysis is essential. Students in the logic stage begin to read more challenging works that allow them to put these tools to the test.” These works often include Shakespeare and other classic plays or novels.
As preparation for this higher level of thinking, students progress through the trivium of classical education, which includes three stages. Through these stages, students integrate the core values of classical education with subjects for holistic learning. They focus on timeless ideas and classical texts. Classical education is a combination of both methodology and content, highly valuing both logic and reasoning.
Grammar
Grammar, the study of the basic facts of a discipline, refers to the earliest stages of the classical learner. This stage encompasses learners from kindergarten to fourth grade and emphasizes knowledge and provides students with a solid foundation upon which to build later.
Logic
Logic, the study of the relationships of these facts with other facts, refers to the middle stage of the classical learner in fifth and sixth grade. In this stage, students learn how to approach problems systematically and evaluate evidence. The purpose of this stage is for students to challenge ideas and develop deeper understanding. The logic stage encourages independent thinking.
Rhetoric
Rhetoric, the study of persuasive written and oral communication, is the final stage of the trivium in grades seven and eight. This stage values students’ speaking and writing abilities. These are developed when students present arguments, solve problems, and advocate for opinions and ideas. The goal of this stage is for students to learn how to express themselves and defend their ideas across various contexts.
Cognitive Development
Classical education propels students toward critical thinking and problem-solving skills, encouraging them to seek knowledge and ask questions. The Socratic Method, developed by the Greek philosopher Socrates, is a significant component of classical education. Through the Socratic Method, students actively participate in classroom discussions and learning.
Through classical education, students develop analytical skills using logic and reasoning. From the earliest grades, students are led through exercises like comparing and contrasting, logical sequencing, drawing inferences, and discerning likely outcomes of a particular real-life or theoretical situation. Classical education encourages students to discuss their answers and engage in civil debate.
Classical education allows students to enhance memory and retention, specifically in math and science. “Classically educated students not only master the sciences but connect them to history and contemporary issues,” the Manhattan Institute shares. Using these skills, a classically educated student furthers the connection between learning in a variety of disciplines and its relevance to life.
Moral and Ethical Development
“Classical education demands that students strive for excellence in academics but also in areas such as self-discipline and accountability. This is why a major component of this model is often some form of ethics or character training,” according to the Manhattan Institute.
Classically educated students don’t just learn basic subjects; they are learning how to integrate knowledge throughout their lives. The Classical Education Model emphasizes character education and ethics. It instills virtues that prepare students for life’s challenges, academically and otherwise and encourages a lifelong passion for intellectual pursuits.
A strong classical education emphasizes classic works of literature in all grades. Through these, students explore moral principles. Students are guided through the text using shared inquiry. Because of the values of classical education and this exploration, students learn how to share and justify opinions about the text in a mutually respectful format. With the foundation of the classical teaching model, students dive into “the human condition.” Through this practice, students also develop compassion and a powerful moral sense.
Cultivation of Lifelong Love for Learning
Classical education encourages students to be curious, lifelong learners. It allows them to ask questions, share, and defend their opinions. Through an integrated curriculum, classical education exposes students to varying perspectives. It also allows students to be given academic and personal practice to become well-rounded learners.
Classical education emphasizes kindness, good manners, and respect daily. This highly respected model of education prepares students for positive relationships and individual achievement in a complex world by exposing them to diverse ideas. Students develop a deep appreciation for knowledge through hands-on learning, integrated subject matter, and a challenging yet intentional curriculum.
A classically educated child develops a lifelong pursuit of learning that stretches beyond graduation or the classroom. Through exposure to classical literature, philosophy, classroom discussions, and opportunities for critical thinking, students have a more holistic understanding of knowledge. Classical education empowers students to embrace learning throughout their adulthood, as well.
Practical Applications
Not only does classical education provide benefits during early learning, but it also prepares students for higher education and career success. Classical education encourages students to be adaptable in various fields. It cultivates a logical approach, enabling students to evaluate information critically in a digital age.
Classical education equips students for a successful future, both academically and personally. It provides a well-organized, respectful, and intentional teaching environment for a student to be challenged and effectively and efficiently prepares them to be people of intellectual curiosity, steadfast ethics, and unwavering diligence.
The high standards of classical education benefit young minds in all stages of learning. Classical education is adaptable and accessible to diverse learners. Parents and educators see the longstanding benefits of this impactful learning environment by spurring students on to be thoughtful leaders, insightful thinkers, and inquisitive learners.
Does this sound like the education that you want for your child?
Schedule a tour to see the Westminster campus and learn more about how it implements the values and benefits of classical education in today’s young minds.
