In this video, we explore how to manage big questions using the Socratic dialectic method in classroom conversations. As educators, we know that facilitating meaningful discussions about complex topics is essential for student learning and development. However, implementing effective classroom management in these conversations can be challenging, especially when dealing with big questions that have multiple perspectives and no easy answers. Even more so, the skills and techniques teachers need in establishing the rules for class dialogue can pose significant problems. In this video, we will discuss how to use the Socratic dialectic method, a powerful questioning technique, to help students engage with big questions in a constructive and productive way and improve the ways students engage with difficult material. We'll cover the basics of the method and provide practical tips for using it in the classroom and how we can take steps to reform our education system using this method. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting out, this video will provide you with valuable insights and strategies for managing big questions and conversations in your classroom. So, join us for this informative and engaging discussion, and learn how to facilitate meaningful conversations that promote critical thinking and understanding. 

The journey to a healthy Socratic Conversation is a long one and not to be rushed when used in a teaching environment. But when a classroom is equipped for healthy questioning, dialogue, and debate, classroom learning can drastically shift from passive receptivity to engaged and proactive critical thinking. So when is the right time to use the Socratic method in school and homeschool environments? And when can you be sure that students are ready to use what they think and know to engage in healthy dialectic of what is true, good, and beautiful? Today on Classical Et Cetera, we discuss how classical education works to push students towards discussion based learning as an outcome, not as its central construct.

Anton Chekhov penned "The Bet" in 1889, a curious short story about the nature of knowledge, wisdom, and community. Today, Classical Et Cetera will spend some time opening the pages of this clever little story and provide a summary of their thoughts and big takeaways. By Russian and English standards this book is one you should definitely look into. Check out our other articles and podcast episodes on classical education, Memoria Press curriculum, and so much more!

In the Winter 2023 edition of The Classical Teacher, Martin Cothran wrote an article, The Culmination of the Classical Hero. An article that unpacks The Hero's Journey and explained how this story structure grounded more than just Star Wars, video games, and modern storytelling. It connects to something deeper. The Monomyth. A term coined by Joseph Campbell in his book, A Hero With a Thousand Faces, the monomyth is a narrative structure drawn from the traditional myth and legend of cultures from around the world. But when we think of Christianity, we see drawn in the perfect life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, a mythic structure fulfilled. A truth so deep and perfect, the rest of the world's myths had to follow. Join Shane Saxon at the table today as we unpack the Monomyth in another episode of Classical Et Cetera. 

What is the difference between fun and leisure? It starts with the idea that there is a better way to spend your free time. Classical education promotes using the extra time in our days wisely and productively with activities that move our time from fun into leisure. So how do you that? Shane sits down with the Classical et Cetera table to discuss this very topic, along with ways in which a school and homeschool environment could benefit from a better use of free time at home.

Come visit us at The Great Homeschool Convention this coming April!  Pride & Prejudice, an insightful and transformative domestic novel that took the literary world by storm, has become one of the most beloved pieces of classical literature. A beautiful book that fits very nicely into our classical education curriculum, thank you very much. But why is it important? Why did it leave such an impact on the literary world? Why does it ask some of the best questions and provide the most insightful answers on how our social class creates and navigates division.  That's what we're talking about today. As good a film as one can make, it pales in comparison to the insight and beauty of the novel itself. Join Shane at the table as we take a summary of the themes, questions, answers, and insights from Pride & Prejudice.   

Great books, need great characters. And a wide swath of classic literature features some incredibly strong female characters that we believe both young girls and young boys should read and enjoy. Join Shane at the table today with guest Leta Sundet to talk about the role strong female protagonists play in classic literature, why these books feature so strongly in our traditional homeschool curriculum, and how the right kind of female leads create better stories and better examples for young readers. We are excited you're here with us, let's jump in!

We love great books. Great books will make you smarter, great books will change the way your mind works, great books have changed the western world. Today on the podcast, Shane and the gang break down the core elements of great literature that help unlock the pleasure in reading in the long term. For what are great books, if not gateways to greater reading? Today we find out. 

We've received a ton of questions from viewers of the show and now it's time to answer them! We looked through comments on Classical Et Cetera episodes to find thought provoking questions to answer at the table. Join Paul, Shane, Tanya, and Martin for this special year-end Q&A episode. If you have additional questions for the group, put them in the comments down below!

Merry Christmas from Memoria Press and Classical Et Cetera. In this episode, the gang talks "A Christmas Carol", plays Secret Santa, and Tanya almost gets stabbed! It's an episode to ring in the Christmas season and celebrate a joyful year of light and love, featuring a special message from the MP family. Merry Christmas!