High rugged hills and valleys in between.
We breathe into our lungs the fresh spring winds
That sweep across the young green straths of wheat;
We laugh at spring's rebirth of terrapins
The way they waddle on their scaly feet.
We run not knowing why we run about
On our eternal hills beneath the sun;
We sing and mock the redbirds; then we shout
And rest awhile and then we rise and run.
Life is so full of new blood in the spring,
Life is so full of beauty and of bloom;
Maybe that is the reason why we sing
And run and shout in earth's big spacious room.
Jesse Stuart
Happy Friday!
It’s been a while since I’ve posted an update. The past several months have been a bit busy to say the least. I’ve spent this last week revisiting some older research notes - which prompted me to write this post!
Here’s what I’ve been up to lately:
Presenting on Intellectual Virtues: In October, I had the opportunity to present my paper on Intellectual Courage at the North American Association of Philosophy and Education (NAAPE). I had an absolute blast, learned a ton, and left encouraged. This is a wonderful organization of encouraging scholars. The campus of St. Mary of the Lake is absolutely breathtaking. I can’t wait to return again!
The Thread That Runs So True: Some might not know this, but the title of this newsletter and my philosophy of education is inspired by Jesse Stuart, the great Kentucky educator and poet. During the Spring season, for the past seven years or so, I read through his most famous work, The Thread That Runs So True. Since I missed last Spring, I am looking forward to picking it up again.
Research: Earlier this week, I read Thomas Schwandt’s plenary address, Educating for Intelligent Belief in Evaluation, which he delivered at the annual meeting of the American Evaluation Association (2007). At the conclusion of the address, Schwandt calls for the development of “more evaluation-thinking kits” that are not merely mechanical or procedural approaches to evaluative thinking. I am currently interested in researching ways this concern can be addressed.
(Re)Reading: As I mentioned earlier, this week consisted of revisiting and re-reading some of my favorite papers and books. Most notably, Lani Watson’s dissertation on the epistemology of questioning. And, Jason Baehr’s book Deep in Thought. I am also currently working through Robert Frazier’s Responsible Belief, and Herman Bavinck’s Christianity and Science.
Thinking Tools: Sometimes the keyboard and computer screen create a barrier to good thinking. Lately I’ve benefited from working with paper and pencil. Here’s what I’m currently using: Classic Blackwing 602’s & an A5 Moleskine Cahier Journal (black cover w/ plain paper). You’ll need a good pencil sharpener (like this one). I also recommend having a white Sakura gelly pen to label your notebooks.
Until next time,
Tanner