Galt's Gulch
15

My school

Posted by Theobjectivist-laciar 10 years, 7 months ago to Education
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Im giving classes in my school, about objectivism, free market and liberty! I'm really proud of myself, so I just guessed this was the best place to share it with anyone, any advice or ideas are appreciated!

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  • Posted by Herb7734 10 years, 7 months ago
    Some years ago, I did a lecture series on The Philosophy of Objectivism. It was a small turn-out, but some very bright, questioning minds attended. I started with an explanation of definitions, and led into a definition of man which led to the various parts of philosophy which briefly touched on philosophies through the ages, leading up to Objectivism. The ten or so people who got something out of it, may have actually gone on to learn more, but I was never allowed to present any follow-up talks. Probably thought I was too insidious to continue. In any case I wish you well and applaud you for your bravery. If you succeed with only one student by opening his/her mind to the possibilities of a new outlook, you have performed a great service.
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    • Posted by Theobjectivist-laciar 10 years, 7 months ago
      I think I will use this format in my next philosophy class, it sounds really neat and easier to understand. I am actually getting a few of them to open their minds, not many, but still, more than what I expected!
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      • Posted by Herb7734 10 years, 7 months ago
        Another device I learned, from Brandon was the philosophy tree, Illustrating the 5 branches of philosophy: The root= metaphysics, the trunk = epistemology, the branches = politics, the flower = art. I don't know the age range you are teaching, but certain illustrations or stories, I found to have a potent effect. When talking of a definition of man, I told the story of Socrates asking his students for that definition. they came up with "A featherless biped." Whereupon the next day, he produced a plucked chicken. The definition I provided was "A creature of volitional consciousness." Hope these suggestions are helpful.
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  • Posted by SolitudeIsBliss 10 years, 7 months ago
    Have you tried using Monopoly money? Love it when I hand out money then take out leases, utilities, loans, taxes, etc and let students see what an employer is left with. Just an idea !
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  • Posted by jtruran 10 years, 7 months ago
    There are two books that might help you in developing your program the titles are......

    1)Understanding Objectivism: A Guide to Learning Ayn Rand's Philosophy by Leonard Peikoff and Michael S. Berliner

    2) Objectivism in One Lesson: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Ayn Rand by Andrew Bernstein
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  • Posted by richrobinson 10 years, 7 months ago
    Excellent. Where is your school? How did you get approval for this?
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    • Posted by Theobjectivist-laciar 10 years, 7 months ago
      Oh, my school is in Argentina, I've always been kind of the main figure in my class, because of things like this hahaha, and my school is really supportive towards me to be honest, they actually care a lot about me and what I've got to say. They have grown fond of me, so I am allowed to do this kind of things hahaha
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  • Posted by $ Abaco 10 years, 7 months ago
    That's great!

    I think back about a couple Civics courses they made me take as a junior high and highschool student. I specifically remember learning of things probably not taught anymore - like probable cause, the 4th Amendment, the right to assemble...pesky little things like that.
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  • Posted by $ jbrenner 10 years, 7 months ago
    One activity for Gulch citizens and their children ought to be "The Green Square Manufacturing Game" by Suzanne and James Fenton. It was designed for college freshmen in chemical engineering, but is easily done by high school students. For children of those in the Gulch, it would probably be appropriate for middle schoolers. The game does a great job of forcing people to balance technical, economic, social impact, environmental, safety, health, quality, legal, and regulatory issues to come up with an optimal solution.
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    • Posted by $ jbrenner 10 years, 7 months ago
      http://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/AA/00/00...
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      • Posted by Theobjectivist-laciar 10 years, 7 months ago
        I will have to read about this more deeply, but it seems like a simple way to make them use their brain for once! hahah
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        • Posted by $ winterwind 10 years, 7 months ago
          I taught all kinds of subjects for a really long time, and what I think is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing I learned is that no one method or subject "works" for all students. Example? most information presented in government schools is spoken - most people are visual learners. The most effective "Courses" I ever taught were the ones in which the first thing I did was to ask the student to write a paragraph or so about the subject. This let me know how well they wrote, how well they researched, how interested in the topic they were - and how much they already knew, so they didn't have to "re-learn" anything. [BORING!!!!!] I also asked them to write somewhere between 5 and 10 questions that they would like to have answered about the subject. Then the student and I would design the curriculum. YES, it's hard work, and a lot of it - but students learn best what they are interested in, and what they have some control over. It should not be a passive activity! I used everything I could find, primary sources when possible, and did that "checking for understanding" thing. How do you know that the student understood what you said, what he read, etc? Some parts of teaching are simple: the days on which I had to said "OK, the first person who finds my keys gets $1.50!" no keys. "OK, I need the keys now! $5!" They showed up. They weren't hidden, it's just that people will work harder for $5 than they will for $1.50 - a basic economics lesson!
          I also love the evil tactic of asking them to debate AGAINST the position they are actually FOR.
          I could go on and on [and have!] but the basic tenet is that I don't believe there is any such thing as teaching. I can't insert information into your brain - only you can. I can make it easier, more accessible, at your reading level, in line with your interests - but I can't do it to you.
          oooooh, ooooooh, I will suggest one film - "The Wave", by James Clavell. A group of students questioned whether Nazism would be popular today, and decided it wouldn't. Their teacher [through a long process] essentially fostered a Nazi attitude/belief/culture in the class. They fell right into it, and were excited to go to a meeting in which they could meet the Leader. The curtains opened on a huge photo of Hitler, and there was this loooooooong silence. My students had great discussions after watching it.
          good luck; it sounds like you are seeing a void and making sure it get filled with the right stuff!
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  • Posted by wiggys 10 years, 7 months ago
    yes; i suggest that your students read "capitalism, etc." "philosophy etc.", 'return to the primitive' versus AS or FH. AR's essays in my opinion speak volumes on what is going on.
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