THE KONOS WAY

 

 

WHAT IS KONOS?

KONOS is a concept of education based upon theistic principles. This means that we teach that God exists and has very practical effects upon this world. The word “KONOS” is the Greek word for “cone” representing a biblical worldview. The inverted cone symbolizes God at the top of all life, not just “religious” life. His influence is seen both in direct creation (natural and physical sciences, geography, mathematical principles) and in His design of humans (philosophy, history, art, music, literature, technology, and law). Therefore, to be well-educated means to have a thorough knowledge of theology, the sciences and the humanities.

                                                                                                      

 

THE METHODS

Since people are created in God’s image, they have certain characteristics (e.g., morality, creativity, communication, and relationship) that make them distinct. Therefore, a true education is one which teaches to and builds up these traits. Children are not mere receptors of facts; they are relational beings who interrelate with their Creator, other people, and the world. Therefore, a truly Christian curriculum includes not only the content but also the methods of education. KONOS methods are based upon this appreciation of how people are made and attempts to celebrate this uniqueness in very practical ways.

Too many students are being taught to merely read and regurgitate facts. They may pass the test and receive excellent grades, but what have they really learned, and more importantly, have their hearts really been changed? Since there is no “driving it home,” no “making it real” for them, they quickly forget what they studied for the test. If students do remember what they are taught, it is often mere fragments, not the whole picture. In history, for example, they learn facts (names, dates, places) without seeing the whole of history and where these pieces fit. Learned pieces become unusable because they are not internalized by the student. Seeing no application of the fragments, these students brilliantly, but wrongly, conclude that all learning is useless. At best they merely go through the motions of learning, getting the grades but leaving behind a true education (the renewing of the mind which transforms people).

 Home schools are the best source for a true education, which transforms people. Our goal is to assist you in what you are teaching your children, as well as how you are teaching them. If the goal is to produce godly Christians who are fully equipped to serve the Lord in this world, our children must 1) be motivated to want to learn, 2) be fully engaged in the learning process, and 3) practice using knowledge and skills.

 

...along unfamiliar paths I will guide them.

I will turn the darkness into light before them...

                                                                                                   Is. 42:16

             
 WHAT IS KONOS ACADEMY?
This one-day per week program is designed to provide a core curriculum for homeschooled high school students. KONOS KIDS is a similar program for grades 4-6. KONOS JUNIORS is for grades 7-8. The balanced curriculum of KONOS ACADEMY emphasizes a biblical worldview in both content and methods. Students like learning at KONOS ACADEMY because of its hands-on, experiential, challenging, fun-filled activities which supplement and reinforce a classical education. Small classes encourage the discovery and Socratic methods of learning, where students fully participate in a subject. While KONOS ACADEMY has very high academic standards, we respect each student’s learning style, abilities/disabilities, and interests. Listed below are KONOS ACADEMY’s distinctives:

Classic curriculum

KONOS provides a classical education. This is not limited to the Graeco-Roman classical period or the trivium/quadrivium curriculum (based upon a platonic model rather than a biblical model). We use the term “classical” to refer to that which is true, good, and beautiful from God’s perspective. With an understanding that God is the standard of truth, goodness, and beauty, there is a higher standard by which to evaluate all human works and a standard of performance toward which to strive. We choose to study time-proven works, read excellent literature, listen to classically appreciated music, observe fine art, and learn from admirable people. High standards of skills and conduct are held up for students to emulate.

Coordinating with parents

What role do parents play in KONOS ACADEMY? We agree that parents are the primary educators (i.e., trainers, mentors, nurturers, counselors, shepherds, disciplers) of their own children. Within this broad goal, they select the best avenue of education for each of their children. One option for schooling their children is the supplementary one-day program of KONOS ACADEMY. We aim to be very direct about our distinctives before a student is enrolled so that parents know what they are purchasing. Parents are informed on a weekly basis of what is required by the student. Attempts are made to provide “Family Forum” questions to encourage family discussion about what is being learned. Phone and e-mail inquiries are always welcome.

 Character emphasis

KONOS ACADEMY and the parents have the same goals — we want the students to be smart, but also to be good. Of what value is intelligence without the accompanying moral character? In fact, a smart criminal is more dangerous than an ignorant one. We agree with Theodore Roosevelt: To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society. Although we recognize the parents as the primary character-builders, Christian values are emphasized at KONOS ACADEMY. We are committed to God and His ways. Christian character is modeled and integrated throughout the academic program, not just in a separate course in religion or ethics. We recognize that we, as staff, are models and conduits of the kind of character that represents God, even though our modeling is imperfect. We desire for each student to have a warm, loving, respectful relationship with God and with others. Character that is not exemplary is not tolerated.

 Coordinated context

The KONOS model teaches students to see the “big picture.” KONOS students understand that God exists and has communicated to this world. Knowing this fact establishes a framework for all the subjects studied. Subjects are organized around thematic units (historical periods for middle and high school students) so that history, art, music, literature, and English composition are all related to the same basic theme. This comprehensive look at a period helps the student to see the big picture of how these disciplines interrelate within a period of history. In short, KONOS emphasizes a moral, historical, and geographical context.

 Captivating experiences

No matter how broad the context, no matter how well integrated the curriculum, no matter how true the material, it is not “digested” by the student if it does not captivate his interest. God created people to do (active), not just to receive (passive). One KONOS goal is to create a love of learning and to guarantee that students really learn, not just cover, what is presented. KONOS activities absorb the student’s interest and immerse him in a topic. For example, in the unit of Africa students created their own activities for each region of Africa. It would be difficult for them to forget Todd as Nana, the chief of Ghana, beating his drums while being carried on a gurney by his assistants and his translator Kris holding an umbrella. Even high school students require some hands-on learning.

 Challenging self-learning

KONOS ACADEMY exists for more than entertaining students. Students must come to a point where they are the primary workers, the active participants in the inquiring and creative process. Our goal is for the students to inquire on their own and to find answers to questions, to look for ways to come up with creative solutions, to seek to learn more. KONOS challenges students by giving them the responsibility of problem-solving. This sometimes requires “gags and handcuffs” for us teachers who love to explain what we know. By quietly encouraging the student to ask further, to find answers on his own (“I wonder where you could find the answer to that question”), and to design creative expressions, the students build confidence in their ability to learn. The information becomes the student’s rather than the teacher’s, and it is much more memorable than if spoon-fed by the teacher. Students who have had no experience in learning this way need gradual encouragement, but in a few short weeks they, too, are involved in a true learning process.

 Creative expression

As every teacher knows, something is not truly known until it is taught. KONOS goes beyond just “covering” material. Unless a student is able to tell it or demonstrate it to someone else, he does not truly know it. If he can communicate it using his own words, or an artistic rendition, or a drama, or a musical composition, or some other medium, then it is evident that he knows it. Therefore KONOS emphasizes rhetorical/creative expression in the arts and literature. Through these creative media, he both reinforces and refines what he has learned.

Caring community

KONOS emphasizes learning in tutorials and small groups. In this relational context, students feel comfortable to explore, to ask questions, to try new things, to fail, to excel. The teachers observe their areas of strength, weaknesses, learning styles, and interest areas. Within the context of small groups, problems are noticed immediately and attempts are made to adapt to the student’s particular needs. As opportunities arise to “love one another” we are drawing each other toward God and wooing others toward Him.

We believe that:

© 2001 KONOS CONNECTION