The Christopher Perrin Show

This discussion emphasizes the value of classical liberal arts education in shaping character and virtue. It contrasts true education with mere schooling and reveals how classical concepts foster wisdom and faith retention. Teen agency in education takes center stage, examining how students can influence policies while navigating their own developmental needs. The pursuit of wisdom over transient desires is highlighted, promoting reflective learning. The importance of lifelong learning for educators is also stressed, encouraging them to model continuous growth for their children.

In this episode Dr. Perrin considers this traditional maxim. Can authors and their books become meaningful teachers and even life-long friends? What is the link between an author and authority? Do we still need living teachers if we have really good books?

Explore the timeless wisdom of Basil the Great, who saw education as a path to eternal life rather than just a means to earn a living. Discover the significance of cultivating the soul and virtues, contrasting ancient insights with modern vocational training. Delve into the importance of contemplation, urging listeners to prioritize spiritual well-being over today's sensory distractions. This thought-provoking discussion encourages nurturing the soul through meaningful experiences, offering a refreshing perspective on education's purpose.

Dr. Perrin, an expert in pedagogy and learning theories, discusses the importance of repetition in education. He emphasizes how repetition aids in memory and long-term retention. The podcast explores the value of blending review with new content to enhance learning and stresses the significance of consistent review, especially during childhood.

Explore the powerful teaching principle of 'multum non multa,' emphasizing that diving deep into a few subjects accelerates learning. Discover how prioritizing quality over quantity fosters mastery in students. Dive into challenges educators face in connecting with learners at various stages. Reflect on historical perspectives and the importance of carefully curated content. Engage with thoughts from notable figures like C.S. Lewis on the value of depth in education, inspiring a more profound appreciation for learning.

This discussion emphasizes the wisdom of 'making haste slowly,' revealing how careful preparation enhances teaching and life. Delving into historical and philosophical insights, it stresses the importance of mastering educational concepts sequentially. Examples from music, math, and language illustrate the risks of rushing learning. The conversation champions foundational knowledge as the key to successful and sustainable education.

Exploring John Henry Newman’s influential ideas, the discussion highlights the meaning of a truly educated mind. It emphasizes the importance of a disciplined intellect for personal growth amidst challenges. Furthermore, the relationship between students and teachers is framed as crucial for nurturing virtue and wisdom, critiquing modern educational trends that overlook this connectivity. The pursuit of education is presented not just as acquiring knowledge, but as shaping character within a supportive community.

In this episode, Dr. Perrin laments the ways that classical schools, like progressives schools, regularly "cut up" the curriculum into too many disconnected fragments that become "subjects." 

In this episode, Dr. Perrin explains the why classical schools still retain elements of their progressive counterparts and simply try to teach too much.

In this episode, Davies Owens (from Basecamp Live) and I co-host the podcast and talk about the ways friendship and fellowship should be at the heart of classical education.