Summary In this episode, Shannon Valenzuela and Peter Ulrickson explore the significance of the Quadrivium in education and Dr. Ulrickson's unique presentation of teaching these arts in his books A Brief Quadrivium and the accompanying teacher's guide. They discuss the interconnectedness of mathematics and the arts and highlight the unique perspectives offered by each discipline. They explore the importance of modeling, proof, and observation and the role of rhetoric and logic in mathematics....
Summary In this episode, Shannon Valenzuela and Jake Tawney explore the significance of the quadrivium in education, particularly focusing on mathematics as a bridge between the material and the divine and the ability of mathematics to help students access truth. They discuss the eternal nature of language and mathematics, explore music as number in ratio to itself, and consider the importance of proofs in mathematics. The conversation emphasizes the need for pedagogical approaches that prior...
Summary In this episode, Shannon Valenzuela and Dr. Merrill Roberts explore the beauty of the quadrivium for the middle school classroom. They discuss the integration of nature studies, mathematics, and science in middle school education, highlighting the importance of play, joy, and sensory learning. The discussion also delves into the relationship between mathematics and beauty, the role of the imagination in learning, and the interconnectedness of disciplines across the curriculum. T...
Summary In this episode, Shannon Valenzuela, Dr. Jeff Lehman, and Dr. Andrew Seeley explore the retrieval of the quadrivium and its significance in classical education, particularly in mathematics and science. They discuss their personal journeys in mathematics, the transformative power of the quadrivium, and the importance of integrating imagination and reason in learning. They emphasize the need for a community of educators to foster a deeper understanding of these subjects, and offer sugge...
Summary In this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela and John Mays explore the principles of teaching science classically. They discuss the importance of beauty to the work of education, the importance of textbook design, and the need for a mastery-oriented curriculum that emphasizes long-term retention of knowledge. Mays introduces his Wonder-Integration-Mastery model for science education, which serves as a framework for teaching that integrates various disciplines and fosters the development o...
Summary In this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela, Robert Puschautz, and AnneMarie Johnson explore the profound role of art in education, emphasizing its ability to connect beauty with truth and goodness. They discuss the artist's vocation as a divine calling, the importance of constraints in fostering creativity, and how beauty serves as a powerful tool for evangelization. The conversation also highlights the necessity of creating beautiful learning environments and integrating art into vario...
Summary In this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela interviews Dr. Joe Carlson, a University of Dallas alumnus and translator of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. They discuss his journey into the world of Dante, focusing on the personal nature of translation and the importance of delight in education. He emphasizes the role of enthusiasm in teaching, the art of translation, and the significance of medieval cosmology in understanding both literature and the sacramental nature of reality. The conv...
Summary In this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela interviews Mandi Gerth, the author of the new book Thoroughness & Charm: Cultivating the Habits of a Classical Classroom. They explore the principles of classical education, focusing on the importance of classroom management, the role of joy and order in learning, and the integration of the imagination and the intellect. They discuss how embodiment and enculturation can enhance the learning experience and delve into the significance of litu...
Summary In this conversation, Shannon Valenzuela interviews Charity Hill, an 11th grade integrated humanities instructor for Valor North Austin and host of the Bright Wings podcast on children's literature. They discuss the importance of discernment in selecting children's literature, the interconnectedness of truth, goodness, and beauty, and the transformative power of reading. Charity shares her experiences as a teacher and podcaster, emphasizing that children's literature is not just for c...
Summary In this engaging conversation, Dr. Junius Johnson discusses the significance of fairy stories in cultivating wonder and imagination within classical education. He emphasizes the transformative power of fantastical narratives, drawing parallels with C.S. Lewis's Narnia and the importance of teachers as guides in exploring these realms. The dialogue explores how fairy stories can enrich the curriculum, broaden literary canons, and foster a love for learning through delight and engagemen...
Summary In this episode, we explore the profound purpose of education, emphasizing the importance of human flourishing, the role of wonder and beauty in learning, and the necessity of fostering imagination in students. We discuss some of the challenges faced by educators today and the need for community among teachers. The conversation highlights the integral connection between joy, wonder, and the holistic development of both students and teachers in the educational journey. Topics Covered...
Summary In this episode, we discuss some of the principles and practices of classical education, particularly as we understand it at the University of Dallas. You’ll discover some of the aspects that make classical education distinctive and the importance of understanding the truth of the human person to education. Topics Classical education and the understanding of the human personArt and experience in learningAwakening wonder in students Learning is a continuous journey for both ...