The Five Concepts

I recently ran across one of my early emerging curricular models.  These five concepts seem to reflect what I believe would be a revolutionary approach.  Although it hasn't seen the light of day in quite a few years, in looking over this model, I see it holds promise.  Perhaps coming back to it now, I can find ways to integrate it into some of my other curriculum.  At the very least, this reflection will keep me connected to these once inspired ideas.  It is also a great way to track my own progress and thinking in these areas.

I actually created the model through conversations with my friend Brandy McCray.  What an incredible thinker she is.  But for the most part, it was an inspired look at what seems to be an evolved way of imagining education.

Rather than academics, this looks as five domains for personal development.  It seems to me, looking at school not as the way of developing academic skills, but developing cognitive capacities would lead us back on track.  It doesn't mean academics don't come into play, but these are at the service of greater goals.  They are simply the basics, the goals are much deeper.  A child who has an idea for a creative project aligned with a deeper purpose will be motivated to read materials on the subject, write up their plans, calculate what finances they need, etc.  

But this is getting ahead of myself.  Let me just go over these areas briefly, then I will take some time to break them down and see where I stand in my own thinking at the moment.

The Five Foundational Concepts:

Self Directed
Creativity
Critical Thinking
Beauty
Community

Maybe changing the form of the words so they are all the same...so the noun Self-Direction, instead of the adjective Self-Directed.  

For now, let me just review what the meaning provides.

Self Directed is number one.  It reflects more than just students ability to select what they want to learn, and not feeling the oppressive control of the teacher.  It comes from a deep awarenss that we each have a deeper purpose.  

Creativity is number two.  It is through creativity that we can express our inner being.  Creativity is a means of self-discovery, which is a critical piece to know what it is one is moving towards.

Three is Critical Thinking.  This type of thinking is more analytical, it is grounded in logic and rules.  It is important for linking creativity to the world.  

Four is Aesthetics, or Beauty.  Why would this be here?  Maybe I could change this to Emotions?  Aesthetics and Beauty are most definitely connected to emotions, but there is more there.  There is the sensory connection.  I will explore this more before making changes.

Five and finally, there is Community.  This is the social element.  This is the moment, I live not just within my unique being, but in full connection with the other.  Relationships can be a challenge.  But when I know who I am and am acting in integrity with my deeper purpose, relationships become the source of great endeavors.  

A little short review of an old model, but I like it so far.

I will post on the individual ideas later.