Why do we need to even talk about philosophy in the context of education? Because it's the foundation of everything we do! It's not enough to go through a list of "to-do's." Understanding the whys behind them is critical. Otherwise, you'll likely feel bothered by constant mental chatter. "Have I chosen the right approach?" "What curriculum is everyone else using?" "Is narration really necessary?" "Someone else is using another book. Should I switch?" "Copywork doesn't seem to have a purpose. Maybe I'll skip it." This chatter will absolutely steal your peace.
If you want to teach from rest: Know exactly why you are doing what you are doing, and Choose to rest in it.
Why Do We Need an Educational Philosophy? (2 min.)
Why can't you just buy the books on the list and print out your lesson plans without having to think about philosophy? Because you will never get the results you want that way. First things first. (Transcript at end of section)
Video Transcript
SHANNON: When parents and teachers come to the Charlotte Mason method, the first things they usually want to know are which books to use and how to implement Mason’s techniques. But before we get into the nuts and bolts of the curriculum and methods, it is important to start with the philosophy. You might think that philosophy is something only relevant in college classes, but the truth is that you are acting out of your philosophy every day. The things that you discuss with your children, the activities and relationships you prioritize, the items you have in your home, and what you do in your free time (if you are at all intentional about them) are outworkings of what you believe about the nature of things and about what’s important. Philosophy aims to get at the fundamental truths about reality so that we can move through our lives with wisdom. If we want to educate our children with wisdom and intentionality, we must first understand such things as the nature of knowledge, the nature of the learner, and the ultimate purpose for education. Christian educators must also have some understanding of the nature of God, our relationship to Him, who we are as Image-Bearers, and our place in Creation.
Philosophy is the foundation upon which everything else in our educational framework is built. Trying to reform our educational practices without taking a serious look at the foundation is like papering over the cracks in the plaster walls of an old house that are indicative of foundation issues--it might make things appear better for a time, but ultimately the entire structure is at risk of failure. But if we get the foundation right first, we can begin to build a strong structure upon it, using curricula and methods that are in perfect alignment.
Reflection
Respond to the following in the comments or in your journal:
1) Identify five things you feel are of utmost importance in life.
2) Look around yourself for a moment. If the things in our environment, the activities we participate in, and the conversations we have reflect our life philosophy, what might a stranger spending a day observing in your home assume about what you think is important?
3) Would that person's assessment be pretty correct, or would it be way off what you really think is important? In other words, is there a disconnect between what you really believe and what the stranger might think you believe, based on her observations?
4) If there is a disconnect, try to identify what kinds of changes you might make so that your physical space, your activities, and your conversations are in alignment with your core beliefs.
In Mason's Own Words
Read what Mason herself had to say about the need for a philosophy of education, and let's narrate together.
Read ch.1 of A Philosophy of Education in its original text and/or in modern English.
1) What ideas surprised you? Or, if you are not new to Mason's writings, what ideas had you maybe forgotten from these passages?
2) Explain in your own words why we need a unified philosophy of education.
3) What are you wondering?
Further Reading
A Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer
To Know as We Are Known by Parker Palmer
