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The Trivium
The classical model has been proven through the centuries, but only recently has shown a resurgence in modern education. Many modern and progressive philosophies tend to downplay the content of what is learned and emphasize the process of learning. Classical education emphasizes knowledge, understanding and communication of objective subject matter. Students grasp knowledge in core subject areas, interact with it and are able to think critically about its impact on their own lives and its relevance to the culture in which they live.
Developing each student’s academic potential is a natural outcome of the educational philosophy of the classical tradition. The Trivium provides a coherent and unified approach to the learning of all subject matter.
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GRAMMAR |
LOGIC |
RHETORIC |
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K/1st 2nd 3rd 4th |
5th 6th 7th 8th |
9th 10th 11th 12th |
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KNOWLEDGE |
UNDERSTANDING |
COMMUNICATION |
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Knowledge – Comprehension |
Application -- Analysis |
Synthesis -- Evaluation |
Grammar. The first phase of the Trivium is Grammar (grade level K - 4). Grammar emphasizes the facts and rules of each subject that later learning is built upon. This stage focuses on the accumulation of knowledge and the rules related to each particular subject. This mirrors the stage of development where children love to mimic, recite, chant, and memorize. The objective of this phase is to provide each student with a strong foundation of subject matter KNOWLEDGE.
Logic. The second phase is Logic (grade level 5 - 8). Logic focuses on a students’ ability to analyze and interact with the knowledge acquired in the Grammar stage. The Logic stage is the phase where understanding is grasped. This corresponds with the student’s curiosity and desire to ask questions. The objective of the Logic phase is UNDERSTANDING.
Rhetoric. The final phase is Rhetoric (grade level 9 - 12). Rhetoric teaches a student how to express and discuss a subject. Rhetoric is the communication stage, where students defend and refute opinions based on their understanding and knowledge of subject matter. This fits nicely with the students’ affinity for contradiction and argumentation. The objective of the Rhetoric phase is COMMUNICATION.
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