The Paideia Proposal - Chapters 3 & 4

In chapter 3, Dr. Adler introduces,  The Paideia Proposal, and what it advocates. Dr. Adler states that, "The Paideia Proposal" advocates has the same objectives for all without exception" (Adler, 1982)(p.15). This is very different from the system in our current public school systems, which is set up as a multi-track school system. Going further, Dr. Adler explains The Paideia Proposal, "This system must aim at 3 objectives, determined by the vocations or callings common to all children when they grow up as citizens, earning their living and putting their free time to good use" (Adler, 1982)(p.16).
These objectives are as follows:

1. Personal Growth / Self Improvement (mental, moral, & spiritual)

With this objective schooling should help prepare children to take advantage of opportunities that society has to offer. Also, to be efficient, the children must have aspirations.
    
     2. Individual's Role as an Enfranchised Citizen of this Republic
 
In order for this objective to be carried out, public schooling must be "an adequate preparation for discharging the duties & responsibilities of citizenship. This requires cultivation of proper civic virtues, understanding of framework of the government & its principles.


     3. The Adult's Need to Earn a Living in One or Another Occupation

Under this objective schooling must prepare the children by, "... giving them the basic skills that are common to all work in a society such as ours, not by training them for one or another particular job in our industrial economy" (Adler, 1982)(p.17).

Also, Adler believes that while twelve years of nonspecialized schooling for all may be the most practical preparation for work, that is not its sole justification. He writes that during this time period it also, "... prepares our children to be good citizens and to lead good human lives" (Adler, 1982)(p.20).

Adler's writings in Chapter 4 were very complex and somewhat difficult to follow. I would say that this is because of the "columns" that he diagrammed to disclose his beliefs about education and his thoughts about, "The Same Course of Study for All." The fact that I completely disagree with this ideology may have also came into play with the difficulty in reading this chapter. However, I did manage my way through it and at the end, comprehended what he meant. 


In a brief summary, Adler believes that there should be one course of study during a 12-years school program with the same requirements for everyone, with one exception; this exception is the choice of a 2nd language.

To summarize his "Column-Approach," Adler has three, vertical columns, with requirements listed in each one. The first column he titles, "Language, Literature, & Fine Arts; Mathematics, & Natural Sciences; History, Geography, & Social Sciences." Underneath this column it is his belief that, "... these three comprise the most fundamental branches of learning" (Adler, 1982)(p.24).

His second column is titled, "Development of the Skill." This is meant to be the competence is the use of skills, or language, aided with a 2nd language. Another example is math with the assistance of calculators. He states that Column 2 is the backbone of basic schooling. Coaching and drilling in this stage, or column, are very important. As Adler writes, "The lack of coaching and drilling by itself accounts for the present deficiencies of many high school graduates in reading, writing, computing, and in following directions" (Adler, 1982)(p.28).

Finally, in Column 3, "Enlargement of Understanding," or the "innovative" column, Adler writes that the, "Appropriate mode of instruction in Column Three must be the Socratic mode of teaching, a mode of teaching called 'maieutic' because it helps the student bring ideas to birth" (Adler, 1982)(p.29). It is in this column where the analyzation of the readings, leading discussions, and the appreciation of knowledge occurs. Also, in Column Three, Columns One and Two interplay off of another and help students engage in active thinking.