Is Classical Christian Education Compatible with a Reformed Christian Perspective on Education?

Author

Peter L. Ton

Date of Award

5-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Graduate Education

Abstract

Is the growing classical Christian education movement, based on Dorothy Sayers’ trivium methodology, compatible to a Reformed Christian perspective on education? The classical Christian position claims that children progress through three stages of development and that the three components of the trivium complement these natural learning stages. The first stage involves memorizing facts through chants, stories and songs. In the second stage students learn how to argue and analyze by means of formal training in logic. The third stage focuses on learning to express knowledge persuasively and elegantly. When compared to the Reformed understanding of covenant children as well as Reformed purposes and methods of education, classical Christian education is found to be too intellectualistic and elitist to be compatible with a Reformed Christian perspective on education.

Comments

Action Research Report Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Education

Recommended Citation

Ton, Peter L., "Is Classical Christian Education Compatible with a Reformed Christian Perspective on Education?" (2005). Master of Education Program Theses. 26.
https://digitalcollections.dordt.edu/med_theses/26