End of Course Test: Wendell Berry’s Virtues of Renewal: Teaching the Forms that Sustain Life and Community

What is the primary question Wendell Berry challenges educators to consider?

Which of the following metaphors does Wendell Berry use to compare the art of teaching?

In Berry’s view, creativity is best achieved by breaking free from traditions and community ties.

According to Dr. Jeffrey Bilbro, what is the flip side of distraction?

Berry believes that humble acts of love can participate in redemption even if they do not lead to systemic change.

In 150-250 words, please select one of these three essay prompts for your end of course essay:

• Consider how current educational systems rely on standardized rules and policies, and give a couple examples from the course that exemplify Berry’s idea of “loving forms” as an alternative. In your own teaching, what ideas from this course can help you to balance the need for order with the flexibility required for genuine love and understanding?

• Summarize how Berry’s vision challenges traditional educational models and share ideas for how your teaching can cultivate virtues that align with the health of the community rather than individual success.

• What did this course have to say about the role of technology in shaping attention and community as well as Berry’s critique of digital distraction and surveillance? Propose practical ways in your own teaching where you might be able to help resist these habits and foster virtues like attention and fidelity within a culture of sustained, loving attention in your classroom or home.