Some People Hate Homer
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Main Notes
- Classical education is valuable even for students not interested in college or scholarship
- A well-trained mind is necessary for any job, from car repair to university teaching
- Classical education teaches how to learn, not just specific subjects
- Employers value the ability to learn on the job and raise performance continually
- Classical education aims to produce students who pursue excellence and moderation in all things
- In a democracy, all citizens need a well-trained mind to participate in government effectively
- Neglecting classical education can lead to citizens doubting their judgment and surrendering decision-making to experts
- Classical education is seen as the best preventive measure against a 'democracy in name only'
Cue Column
- Why is classical education valuable for all students?
- What did the car manufacturer executive say about high school graduates?
- How does classical education differ from comprehensive subject teaching?
- What skills do employers look for according to Murnane and Levy?
- How does classical education prepare students for a changing job market?
- What is the Platonic definition of knowledge?
- Why would the Greeks be suspicious of job-specific training?
- What is the higher aim of classical education beyond practical skills?
- How does classical education relate to democratic citizenship?
- What risks arise when citizens lack a classical education?
- How can parents implement classical education?
- What is the 'chilling scenario' mentioned in the text?
- How does classical education promote self-government?
- Why is classical education recommended for all students, not just the college-bound?
- What is the role of reading, analyzing, and writing in classical education?
Summary
This chapter argues for the importance of classical education for all students, regardless of their college aspirations or career goals. It emphasizes that a classical education, focusing on developing critical thinking, reading, writing, and learning skills, is the best preparation for both the job market and democratic citizenship.
The text challenges the notion that vocational training is more valuable for non-college-bound students. It cites business leaders who stress the need for employees with strong basic academic skills and the ability to learn continuously. The classical approach is presented as a method that teaches students how to learn, rather than just imparting specific knowledge.
Furthermore, the chapter emphasizes the civic importance of classical education in a democracy. It argues that all citizens, as participants in government through voting, need the critical thinking skills developed by a classical education to make informed decisions and resist simplistic solutions.
The author warns of the dangers of neglecting classical education, suggesting it could lead to a citizenry that doubts its own judgment and surrenders decision-making to experts, ultimately resulting in a 'democracy in name only'. The chapter concludes by encouraging parents to take on the responsibility of providing a classical education for their children, regardless of their school's approach.
Action Items
- Focus on reading comprehension
- Emphasize writing skills
- Develop mathematical abilities
- Foster critical thinking
- Teach students how to learn independently
- Practice gathering, organizing, and using information
- Encourage analysis of read materials
- Promote writing about ideas and concepts
- Train in effective written and verbal communication
- Teach basic computer skills
- Foster the ability to continually learn and improve performance
- Encourage pursuit of excellence and moderation in all areas
- Expose students to ideas that develop the life of the mind
- Teach students to evaluate long-range consequences and complex cause-effect relationships
- Develop critical thinking to evaluate political rhetoric and proposed solutions
- Teach students to look beyond immediate gratification in decision-making
- Encourage independent thought and judgment in civic matters
- Research classical education principles and methods
- Develop a plan to incorporate classical education elements into home learning
- Focus on training the child's mind to think critically and learn independently