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Knowing, Knowledge and How Knowledge is Achieved
Education is a complex topic and one at the forefront for homeschooling families. Laying a foundation for which children can grow, thrive, learn and “be” in the world is a multi-tiered task, especially when all aspects of learning, the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social, are concerned.
The modern version of early childhood and primary education involves a focus on cognitive development and the acquisition of knowledge in the foundational skills in the subjects of reading, writing, and math. The focus of present-day education involves mastery of material in these subject areas, determined largely by the results of standardized tests. While information mastery is a needed and necessary component of “being educated,” it is by far not the only determinant of growing into a thriving, educated being. Let’s start by defining education through the lens of theoretical proponents and humanistic principles.
When considering the prospect of educating a child in modern culture, the first step is to clearly define what “to be educated” means. The first component of this expression is to be. This concept has its roots in Ontology, the study of being or existing, or what it means to be. The expression of being is exhibited in behavioral and affective responses. The second component of this expression is educated, a condition which is…
