Continuing From Part 1

Franklin continues in his proposal for the education of youth that they should study;

Arithmetick, Accounts, and some of the first Principles of Geometry and Astronomy.

In this test driven society we are certainly emphasis Math, since it is easy to test.  In my neck of the woods we are leaving out ‘accounts’. We no longer teach business math, it is not viewed as college prep.  Honestly I would love a good class on basic accounting and financial planning.  If we as a society were a bit more knowledgeable in this area then maybe more of us would have saving accounts, retirement plans and mortgages we can actually afford.

The English Language might be taught by Grammar; in which some of our best Writers, as Tillotson, Addison, Pope, Algernoon Sidney, Cato’s Letters, &c. should be Classicks; the Stiles principally to be cultivated. being clear and the concise.  Reading should also be taught, and pronouncing, properly, distinctly, emphatically; not with an even Tone, which under-does, nor theatrical, which over-dose Nature.

I had to look up Algernon Sidney; his writings apparently influenced our founding fathers. What are the classics today?  Do we look for writing styles, or morals taught?  We can greatly influence how our children think but what we have them read and discuss. I do think it is important to include some of the works that influenced the past development of our society, as well as, choosing some that will lead us to our future development.  I do believe that we must remember and learn from the past so we can repeat the good and avoid the bad.

To form their Stiles, they should be put on Writing Letters to each other, making Abstracts of what they read; or writing the Same things in their own Words; telling or writing stories lately read, in their own Expressions.  All to be revis’d and corrected by the Tutor, who should give his Reasons, explain the Force and Import of Words, &c.

In my mind this is email, blogs and wikis – not only the tutor/teacher but the peers can be involved in the revision and critique of thoughts, writing styles, and use of supporting evidence. In Franklin’s time many of his contemporaries wrote back and forth to each other discussing the news, readings and philosophical thoughts of the day. They challenged each other’s thinking and application of the ideas to contemporary situations.  Just as many of us blog, twitter and plurk to help us sort out and develop our thinking today, so to did their network support and encourage each others learning and growth.

Once upon a time we also taught our students the difference between a formal, casual and business letter.  Should we not be teaching them the difference between IM, email, and traditional letter writing.  There are different formalities, conventions and purposes for each media.  Each requires its own style, etiquette and expectations. Should we not teach the appropriate use of each for social and professional networking, communication and collaboration?

To form their Pronunciation, they may be put on making Declamations, repeating speeches, delivering Orations, &c.. The Tutor assisting at the Rehearsals, teaching, advising and correcting their accent, &c.

As our students create content and participate in online, collaborative communication they will practice and develop these skills.  In the younger grades we often have students read aloud for fluency and expression.  Recording the reading allows a student to hear their work and learn to correct themselves with a teacher guidance.  As student create audio for multimedia content they will have greater access to to speaking then in a traditional classroom.  Including video conferencing and interview students will have greater opportunity to enhance their public speaking skills.

To be continued…