The Paideia Program-Part II-Ch.11 -The Manual Arts

When discussing the teaching of "The Manual Arts" in the Paideia Program it is very important to pay close attention to how they define the time lines of when these arts are / are not to be taught. If not, then the entire matter can very easily be misinterpreted. The reason for this is because the Paideia Program does not include vocational training in its' curricula. For an explanation of why this is not included, Dr. Adler explains, "The Paideia curriculum does not include vocational training for a well-considered reason. The first twelve years of schooling is the inappropriate time - and school is the inappropriate place - for learning marketable skills. The time for learning these technical skills is after basic education has been completed..." (Adler, 1984)(p.154).

However, they are not saying these skills are not important, "... it is important for teachers and parents to remember that the teaching of crafts, mechanics, and the domestic arts is justifiable only as a contribution to learning, rather than as a direct preparation for future employment" (Adler, 1984)(p.154). This reasoning, to me, makes sense to why the courses should / should not be taught. If the courses are not going to help you along what you are preparing to do in your future, then why should you be forced to take them? Is that not what college students do, with their curricula, after their first two years of courses? They only take the courses that are going to further their education and prepare them for their futures. So, I have to agree with the point that Dr. Adler is making here. 

Someone, undoubtedly, will come along, and say, "But, wait!" "Don't we want our children to be well-rounded?" "Don't we want them to be taught in several subjects, so that they are prepared to face anything in today's modern world?" Dr. Adler covers these questions, when he writes, "The central consideration is that whatever is taught should be a skill that will be needed by everyone in the brave, new post-industrial world" (Adler, 1984)(p.155-156).

However, the Paideia Group does not stop with  preparation for rejection to their program there. Dr. Adler writes, "How should these skills be taught? By coaching... Who should teach them? Ideally, they should be taught be members of the regular academic faculty and not by specialists... How much time should be devoted to the manual arts? An hour to two a week for three or more years..." (Adler, 1984)(p.156). The Group has well thought out the rejection to their program, as can be seen with answers to the questions prepared to be asked.