Foundations in Classical Teaching with Dr. Christopher Perrin
This faculty orientation will support you where you are at in your classical education journey as you study through select ClassicalU courses. Each course linked below has a professional certificate available upon completion. To get you excited to begin, here is a brief 11-minute lesson with Dr. Christopher Perrin contemplating the foundational question of “What is Classical Education?”
All-Faculty Learning Track
Growing Classroom Culture through Parent Partnerships
With her second course on ClassicalU, Robyn Burlew shares her accumulated wisdom and practical insights for forging meaningful partnerships with parents in order to develop a rich and healthy classroom culture.
The Scholé Way
In this all-new course, Dr. Christopher Perrin explores how the classical concept of restful, contemplative learning—scholé—provides formation in wisdom, virtue, and a deep intellectual life. Tracing the roots of scholé in classical philosophy, Christian theology, and monastic education, the course examines how this tradition contrasts with the anxiety-driven tendencies of modern schooling.
The Catholic Tradition of Classical Education
This course with Dr. Andrew Seeley will be of particular interest to Catholics seeking the renewal of Catholic liberal arts education. It will also be of interest to anyone wishing to know more about how seminal thinkers like Augustine and Aquinas have influenced the course of education from the ancient period through the Middle Ages and to our current moment.
Socratic Teaching Symposium
In this course, a panel of presenters address why classical educators must learn the skill of Socratic teaching, and describe several approaches to leading a Socratic seminar or discussion, noting various advantages and disadvantages associated with each approach. We do this by interviewing presenters who use each approach and by showing them leading live, recorded seminars and discussions.
Enrichment Learning Track
The Art of Poetry
This course features poet and professor Christine Perrin as she describes the major elements of poetry and also discusses them with four upper school students in a seminar format, therefore modeling how to teach poetry to students. In addition to familiarizing us with the forms and elements of poetry, Christine also shows us how to read a poem closely and absorb its beauty.
Narration: A Classical Guide
In this course, Charlotte Mason expert, Jason Barney explores and explains the reading practice called narration and shows how teachers in classical schools can employ it to great effect and benefit.
Teaching Singapore Math
This is a crucial course for any teacher preparing to teach Singapore Math. Master teacher and grammar school principal Dawn Swartz blends her familiarity with classical education, her extensive experience, and her passion for Singapore Math into this practical course on how to implement and teach Singapore Math.
Foundations of Classical Science Education
Enjoy a collection of courses centered around the educational philosophy and teaching methodologies of John D. Mays, founder of Novare Science. These courses aim to transform science education within the classical Christian tradition by integrating scientific instruction with the liberal arts, fostering a sense of wonder, and promoting mastery-based learning.
The Monastic Tradition of Education
In this brief course, Dr. Christopher Perrin traces the history of classical education as it resided in the Western monastic tradition. Dr. Perrin notes the pedagogical and liturgical practices that characterized monastic education—many of which may serve to inspire and renew our own classical schools and home schools today.
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