Troubled by teenage rebellion? Dissatisfied with Junior High curricula? Exasperated by systematic unresponsiveness on too many levels?
Throughout history, the concept of a Rebel Without a Cause is rare. In most times and places, children between the ages of 12 to 15 had well defined roles within their families and/or an educational system that worked for them. Only in a few times and places do we see people in this group typically rebelling or manifesting other dysfunctional behaviors to any greater degree than most humans, and not receptive to correction. Now in the United States is such a time and place.
In the United States and a few countries that follow its lead in education, these negative manifestations are often seen and have a specific origin point. That point has been traced all the way back to a small invasion of Prussia in 1104! That invasion set in motion a series of events culminating in the development of a military oriented educational system. Many elements of that system were adopted in the United States, first at the urging of Horace Mann and later more specifically by the team of John Dewey and Edward Thorndike. Since 1963 that system has been a virtual government sponsored monopoly throughout the United States.
Ancient Christian schools all used a much different pattern. Parts of that pattern were embodied in the Normal / Noah Webster system which was predominant in the United States until 1963. Part of that pattern was specifically, for students aged 12 - 15, using Logic as the center of all studies. It should be noted that Noah Webster was a devout Christian who considered the development of good character to be the most important part of education.
Right now some Christian and charter schools are trying to re-create this pattern, with great difficulty. This can only partially address the great needs in our rapidly decaying society. Therefore, this new traveling seminar series has been developed, based on deep research and tough experiences.
One three-hour session can provide the core concepts relevant to studying Logic at this level of 12 - 15 years old. Yes, it can only be an overview, but this has tremendous leverage value.
Students will long remember this session, both because it is a special event and because of the practiced presentation style of Mr. Riversong.
Among the subjects covered are:
Data Evaluation
Definition of Fallacy
Fallacies in Everyday Life
How to Find and Disarm Fallacies
Short History of Logic
Economic Logic and Production
How To Avoid Being Scammed
Being a Rational and Sane Government
Biblical Keys to Logic (World English Bible translation)
Any number of students can be accommodated in this session. Naturally, smaller groups will allow for greater interaction, which can increase the effectiveness of this instruction. Further sessions can be arranged depending on scheduling factors and local economics. Sessions for educators can be arranged.
If arranged in advance, a CD featuring key information from the class can be prepared for each student. Recommended text: The Fallacy Detective by Nathaniel Bluedorn & Hans Bluedorn
Michael Riversong has been working as an educator in many roles since 1974. His vast and varied experience plays a large role in the development of this vital work. He is also known as an accomplished instrumental musician, scientist, writer, and environmental consultant.
Tesla Academy
P.O. Box 2776
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82003
mriversong@earthlink.net