Philosophy of Education
The overarching purpose of Rivendell College is to equip students to graduate with a comprehensive and coherent vision of life, be prepared to use it in service to the world, and possess the knowledge, skills, and values needed to flourish in their personal, public, and professional lives. To accomplish this end, we are committed to an integrative approach to education that balances personal and academic growth with a curriculum that is inspired and informed by the Christian tradition. Education at Rivendell College is built on the following philosophy and objectives:
Knowledge
Christian Worldview. At Rivendell we believe that truth is one integrated whole, regardless of the methods by which knowledge is gained. In our Christian vision of the world all truth is united under God and all knowledge finds its ultimate significance in relation to God. We believe that truth (that which is worthy of our belief), beauty (that which is worthy of our admiration) and goodness (that which is worthy of our choice) are interrelated, that they have a single Source and transcendent Standard, and that the pursuit of these ideals is essential to a well-lived life. In this quest we acknowledge and embrace the Mystery that will always confront us in the pursuit of understanding and knowledge. With these convictions, the starting point for all education at Rivendell is the Christian worldview and its intellectual heritage, which the College both embraces and critically evaluates.
Objectives:
- Understand the Christian worldview and how it compares to other worldviews.
- Acquire an understanding of the Bible’s content and major themes.
- Gain familiarity with the unity and diversity of historic Christian beliefs and practices.
- Recognize ways in which Christianity has both shaped and been shaped by various cultures over time.
- Understand the significance of a Christian vision of life for complex social and personal issues.
Liberal Arts. Rivendell College helps students understand the origins and achievements of western civilization through a broad exposure to the liberal arts. In addition to a general liberal arts education, students attain specialized knowledge and skills in at least one area of study by choosing an academic major. Students also learn to appreciate the complexity of today’s world and are exposed to at least one non-western culture.
Objectives:
- Gain a basic understanding of the Western social, cultural, political, religious, and philosophical tradition.
- Develop a general understanding of the world’s geographical, social, political, and religious realities.
- Become familiar with the significant features of at least one non-western culture.
- Understand how worldviews shape cultures and influence all human environments.
- Learn the philosophical assumptions, methods and basic principles of mathematics and the natural sciences.
- Understand the philosophical assumptions, methods and basic principles of the behavioral and social sciences.
- Learn the philosophical assumptions, methods and traditions of the arts and the humanities.
- Understand the philosophical assumptions, basic content and necessary skills in at least one specialized area of study.
- Develop sufficient expertise in one area of specialty to be able to pursue a career or further study.
Skills
Academic Skills, Intellectual Habits and Moral Virtue. At Rivendell we believe that the ability to think clearly and argue persuasively, and to read, write and speak well are keys to success in personal, public and professional life. We view this not so much as a matter of mastering content, but developing academic skills, such as thinking critically, evaluating information, making judgments, solving problems, and communicating clearly; developing intellectual virtues or habits of mind, such as curiosity, love of truth, humility and honesty, persistence and tenacity; and cultivating patterns of moral excellence.
Objectives:
- Develop the intellectual habits and moral virtues that make the acquisition of academic success possible.
- Engage in critical, analytical, and independent thinking.
- Evaluate and utilize information for problem solving.
- Read, observe, and listen critically.
- Write and speak clearly and accurately.
- Conduct research with insight and proper documentation.
- Employ quantitative and scientific reasoning.
- Gain a practical knowledge of computer technology, software programs, basic computer skills and the internet.
Personal Health, Growth and Mission. Rivendell College is committed to equipping students to live well and carry out their vision of life in service to the world. Rivendell students discover who they are, what they believe in, where they are going, and what they must do to succeed in life. Alongside its academic program, the college provides training in spiritual and character formation and a program of personal assessment, academic advising, and professional mentoring to help students reach their full potential.
Objectives:
- Develop disciplines that lead to physical fitness.
- Discover spiritual disciplines and ethical values that shape character.
- Identify personal strengths and highest values and how to live them out.
- Understand the nature and functions of leadership.
- Determine vocational direction through participating in the college’s assessment, advising, and mentoring program.
- Create a personal mission statement.
- Establish patterns of serving the needs of others.
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