The Classical Approach

This revival of ancient Greek teaching methods and the medieval scholastic curriculum is often attributed to the writing of Dorothy Sayers' essay entitled "The Lost Tools of Learning".  All subjects are taught concurrently, but are divided into phases corresponding to the classical Trivium.  The Classical Approach encompasses the three formal subjects of the Trivium: Grammar (Latin and Greek).  The student is taught to carefully observe and memorize details.  Logic (also called Dialectic) (informal fallacies and formal symbolic logic) is the next phase.  In this the student is taught the rules of logic and reasoning, to explore the hows and whys of nature and history, learn the proofs of geometry, to become a discriminating reader and learn to think carefully when writing and speaking.  The final stage is the Rhetoric.  This is composition, oratory and debate.  Expression and presentation of the knowledge obtained and evaluated in the first two phases is developed.  These are the three formal tools which students then use to teach themselves.  The formal Classical Trivium is introduced at different levels.  Formal grammar is introducted at about age 10, formal logic at about age 13, formal rhetoric at about age 16.  As you may be aware, the traditional Classical Approach has its roots in Greek philosophy, a world view not in agreement with Christianity.  It has been adapted to suit the Christian worldview quite successfully.  The Bluedorn family have written and published extensively on this approach.

The earlier versus later formal academics debate.  There are some who believe we should introduce every child to formal-academic classroom-structured instruction from as early an age as possible, certainly by four years of age.  They believe time is wasted if we wait.  They believe the early years are academically very important.  Others believe we should delay formal academic instruction until eight to ten years of age.  Research indicated that if we start formal academics too early it causes developmental problems.  Stress is placed on the child's systems which are not yet fully developed, such as vision, hearing, nerves and coordination.  Early years are better spent in reading to children, doing fun projects, learning household management chores, doing service to others, training in proper behaviour and importantly, character development.  If we lay a good foundation of self-discipline and moral character, the academic instruction of later years will be more productive.

The Extensive Reading method.  In this method, basic reading and writing and math skills are taught separately.  Other subjects are studied by reading well chosen books that cover all areas of knowledge in a clear and interesting way.  For young children, the parent reads aloud and the child narrates back what he had heard.  A discussion of principles revealed in the reading follows.  Both the Charlotte Mason and Christian Classical styles employ elements of this method.

Programed courses.  Programed courses arrange information in a sequence of very small units which are easily mastered.  The student makes a response after each and receives immediate feedback about his answer.  In the past, such courses were available in books or in teaching machines.  Now programed learning is available in computer programs as well.  Such courses allow for structured independent study.  There are many available  such as Switched on Schoolhouse, EDUSS Maths and English software (Australia) and countless others.

Unshooling or Natural Learning method.  The unschooling approach is child-centered, rather than teacher directed.  Advocates believe that children can be trusted to direct their own learning and they do not require any study that the child doesn't choose.  However, parents do provide a rich environment of books, experiences and resources for facilitating learning and respond to their children's questions and interests.  Parents who accept God's commands to teach and train their children and the children to hear and obey their parents' instruction (Deut 6 & Proverbs 7:1-3) would need to adapt this method by supporting children's interest in the context of other instruction which the parent's greater wisdom deems is necessary.

The Montessori Method.  Employs sensory-rich environments and hands-on experiental techniques.  It teaches that young people learn best when engaged in purposeful activity rather than being force fed information.  The method draws upon an understanding of children's cognitive growth and development and respects individuality and fulfills the needs of the "whole child".  It nurtures children to become self motivated, independent and life-long learners.  This method is practiced worldwide through Montessori Schools and homeschools.

The Eclectic Method.  I have this one in large type because this is the one I use!   The eclectic method is very simply what the word means.  In home education terms, it means a gathering together of different elements from several methods of teaching to individualise a learning program for the student.  It takes into account the methods which work best for the family and the students gifts and interests.  There is no one electic method because for every person using it, there are different combinations of teaching and learning methods in use.  Some might choose, the textbooks method for math, living books approach for history, unit studies for Geography, natural learning for other subjects....  There is one style of eclectic learning which has been named "Leadership Education" and I will write about this in a separate category because this is the method I am currently pursuing for our own homeschool.  It combines elements of Charlotte Mason, Christian classical, Unit studies and interest directed education and really teaches the student how to think for themselves and discern with a Biblical worldview.  You'll have to read more on that in the other category.  As I learn and apply what it means to our family, I'll share it here on this blog.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was "if it's not working, change it.  God can work miracles even through our worst mistakes and He will bless our efforts, however bumbling, if we are truly seeking to train up our children to love and honour Him."

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