Should schools focus on forming students for their first career, or for a lifetime of service to their community? The answer could make a significant difference to the decisions of a teacher, a parent, or a student.
And, Or, Not, With – a book by Paul Burgis
We’re all aware that our worldview will affect what we look for in a school, but it goes much deeper than that. Our thoughts about the purpose of education itself will change, depending on what we expect to be a life well lived.
And, Not, Or, With: The Good in Education, by Paul Burgis, considers what learning is and how it occurs, while seeking to examine and constructively critique the underpinnings of the current educational system.
Burgis presents a vision not just to maximise students’ academic potential, but to emphasise character formation and the development of sound ethical values. The book’s title refers to one of his central themes – that education is not a matter of deciding between competing methodologies, but rather, of considering merits and limitations of each. He desires to develop a nuanced and integrated approach to meet the needs of individual students and teachers. Critical thinking, questioning assumptions, emotional intelligence and creativity are goals that far outweigh more pragmatic concerns such as, “what do you want to do when you leave?”
Burgis writes from a Christian perspective, though this book would be also useful to those who do not share his worldview. He comes from the perspective that every person is made in the image of God and has inherent dignity and worth. Each student should thus be treated with respect, and their individual gifts and strengths appreciated and developed.
Students should not merely be career-ready, Burgis argues, but also prepared for a lifetime of service, and working towards the common good, for these may in turn bring transformative change to society. He believes that education should not be merely secular but recognise the spiritual dimensions of life, including a sense of purpose and a recognition of the transcendent.
The role of community in education is a focus, with Burgis noting that learning does not occur in isolation but in the context of relationships, including teachers, families and the wider community. He notes that communities are stronger when undergirded by Christian love, care and mutual respect. He sees teaching as a vocation which can make a significant difference in the lives of students, where educators do not just impart academic knowledge but have the opportunity to model service, humility and other Christ-like virtues.
Because it is written with such lofty goals, it may not satisfy the questions of time-poor parents looking for a quick answer. But Burgis wisely provides a framework to weigh the issues concerned. This book could be profitably read by educators, parents, Christian leaders, and anyone interested in a broader understanding of the importance of education and developing young people to be good citizens who can think critically, question assumptions and develop their-God-given gifts.
Paul Burgis is the principal of Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Croydon, Sydney. And, Or, Not, With is published by Tellwell.