“A Thomas Jefferson Education” by Oliver DeMille is a book that presents an approach to education based on the principles of a “classical liberal education” as espoused by Thomas Jefferson. The book was first published in 2013 and has become a popular resource for those interested in alternative education methods.
The author, Oliver DeMille, is an educator, speaker, and leadership expert. He has a Ph.D. in Political Science and has taught at various colleges and universities. He is also the co-founder of the Center for Social Leadership and George Wythe University.
The book draws heavily from the educational philosophy of Thomas Jefferson, who believed in the importance of a well-rounded education focused on developing the whole person – mind, body, and soul. DeMille modernizes this philosophy, emphasizing self-directed learning, mentoring, and experiential learning. The book advocates for a comprehensive and well-rounded education focusing on the development of the whole person – mind, body, and soul.
DeMille argues that the study of God and religion should be an integral part of a Thomas Jefferson Education and that it should be seen as an essential aspect of the development of the whole person – mind, body, and soul. He argues that a deep understanding of God and religion is necessary for students to develop a sense of purpose, morality, and meaning. DeMille believes this type of education will produce great leaders in the home and communities, great entrepreneurs, and great statesmen.
Three critical insights for homeschoolers from the book:
Emphasize Great Books: The book encourages homeschoolers to expose their children to a wide range of classic literature, history, science, and other subjects. These Great Books are considered important works of literature, science, philosophy, and history that have stood the test of time and have been recognized as important.
Encourage Self-Education: The book emphasizes the importance of self-directed learning, which encourages children to take ownership of their learning process and to follow their passions and interests. This approach helps to keep children engaged and motivated and fosters a sense of independence and self-reliance.
Develop the Whole Person: The book encourages homeschoolers to focus not only on academics but also on the development of the whole person. This includes physical fitness, character education, and the development of life skills. By developing the whole person, homeschoolers can help their children become well-rounded individuals prepared for a lifetime of learning and engagement with the world.
In conclusion, the book “A Thomas Jefferson Education” by Oliver DeMille presents a unique approach to education based on the teachings of one of America’s Founding Fathers. It has resonated with many parents and teachers seeking an alternative method of educating our youth beyond the traditional structure. The educational philosophy is refreshingly different as DeMille modernizes Jefferson’s timeless teachings and applies them to today’s interlaced world. The book provides an avenue for readers to understand their intuitive power of learning with ease and can help anyone gain a deeper understanding of how powerful an enlightened education can be. All in all, the principles presented are empowering opportunities for individuals who seek knowledge and mastery in life instead of blindly following standard curriculums.
The book is just under 200 pages and can be found for under $8 used on Amazon (not an affiliate link).