Educational standards are the foundation of the modern educational endeavor. Statements about educational success imply standards. Measuring whether or not students are being properly educated involves testing them in particular subjects with its prescribed set of grade-appropriate standards that they must meet or exceed (Paul D. Spears and Steven R. Loomis. Education for Human Flourishing: A Christian Perspective.* InterVarsity Press, 2009. p.100). The battery of standardized tests which Spears and Loomis go onto … [Read more...] about Have you been properly educated?
books
Philosophical influence upon educational theory
In Chapter 2 of Education for Human Flourishing: A Christian Perspective* (InterVarsity Press, 2009), Paul D. Spears and Steven R. Loomis draw attention to the importance of foundational categories and philosophical thinkers for the development of educational theory. Furthermore, they argue modern educational theory, influenced by modern philosophy, has led to some of the pitfalls of our prestigious institutions of higher education (p.71). Spears and Loomis begin Chapter 2 with these comments: Educators are … [Read more...] about Philosophical influence upon educational theory
Best Books for Undergrads: Your Picks
Thanks to everyone who weighed in on my request for the best books for undergrads! Here are the recommendations that we received on the blog, from Facebook, and via email. Tom and I received an amazing variety of responses. Here were some interesting trends: C. S. Lewis was recommended more than any other author, but not a single book of his was mentioned more than once! Only three books were recommended more than once: Augustine's Confessions, J. I. Packer's Knowing God, and Tim Keller's The Reason for … [Read more...] about Best Books for Undergrads: Your Picks
Week in Review: Word of the Year Edition
What are you reading, watching, thinking about this week? Anything special with some time off or is there too much going on with the holiday? As usual, here's a few which have been on our mind. Let us know your thoughts on any/all of them. In addition, if you have items you'd like us to consider for the top five, add them in the comments or send them to Tom or Mike. 1. What did the Oxford University Press select as its 2009 "word of the year"? -- Part of the The Higher-Ed News Quiz (Chronicle of Higher … [Read more...] about Week in Review: Word of the Year Edition
Best Books for Undergrads?
In a mere 12 days(!), Tom and I will arrive in St. Louis for Urbana 09, InterVarsity's triennial student missions conference. Most of the 20,000+ conference delegates are undergraduate students, and we'll be talking to them about ESN, vocation, and loving God with your mind. It's impossible for me to talk to students about ESN without recommending at least half a dozen books. I have my favorites, but enough about me —what are your favorites? What books do you recommend to undergraduates, on God, on academia, or … [Read more...] about Best Books for Undergrads?