Jonathan Doram

Dr. Vernon
Analysis of Chapters 23-25 from Ellen Whites Education
In Chapter 23, Ellen White succinctly realizes the essential problems
elementary-age children face today: schools that are not ergonomically
suited for their growing development. For example, forcing children to sit in
ill-fitting chairs for hours on end is not healthy for their physical or
intellectual growth. She advises, For the first eight or ten years of a child's
life the field or garden is the best schoolroom, the mother the best teacher,
nature the best lesson book. Even when the child is old enough to attend
school, his health should be regarded as of greater importance than a
knowledge of books (208). Unfortunately, her vision is not being realized in
the majority of contemporary American schools due to the recent emphasis
on standardized testing. This focus on testing, even in the 1st grade,
necessarily detracts from physical education and neglects the fact that 1st
graders simply do not need to be worried about testing. At their age, their
best lessons come from learning how to interact with others (behavioral
social skills) and body movement (physical skills), not learning how to think
meta-cognitively. Ellen White later clarifies that suitable recreation does not
entail frivolous amusement or potentially injurious activities. She posits,
No recreation helpful only to themselves will prove so great a blessing to
the children and youth as that which makes them helpful to others.
Naturally enthusiastic and impressible, the young are quick to respond to

suggestion (212). What a wonderful opportunity teachers have to cultivate

the characters of the children and youth! She advises teaching students
how to take care of the environment, nature (gardens and plants) and each
other (ministry to the sick or poor). This beautiful advice strikes at the core
of what it means to be a good and ethical human: to honor the personhood
and integrity of each individual by encouraging the spirit of fellowship and
co-operation (212). If Whites words of wisdom were thoughtfully
implemented in todays environment, I truly believe our whole education
system would be a lot better off.
In the same vein, Chapter 24 emphasizes the importance of labor and
developing a strong work ethic. White elaborates, The youth need to be
taught that life means earnest work, responsibility, care-taking. They need a
training that will make them practical--men and women who can cope with
emergencies. They should be taught that the discipline of systematic, wellregulated labor is essential, not only as a safeguard against the vicissitudes
of life, but as an aid to all-around development (215). Students need to
learn the essential principle that things that are worthwhile usually require
lots of hard work and perseverance. The classroom can be a wonderful
opportunity for students to realize this and put it into practice. White notes
the importance of vocational industrial training, staples in several European
countries (like Germany) but less promoted in the United States. In this
White stresses the importance of practical knowledge so that students are
able to make a livelihood directly upon leaving an educational institution.

Again, this advice could not be timelier than today, when so many graduates
are struggling to find jobs even though they have degrees. White asserts,
An education derived chiefly from books leads to superficial thinking.
Practical work encourages close observation and independent thought.
Rightly performed, it tends to develop that practical wisdom which we call
common sense. It develops ability to plan and execute, strengthens courage
and perseverance, and calls for the exercise of tact and skill (220). Similar
to Chapter 23, I firmly believe that if her advice on incorporating both
practical and theoretical knowledge and labor was implemented in America,
our whole nation would be better off. This book demonstrates that God
always knows best, and we need to carefully listen to and internalize what
He says through His prophets (such as Ellen White).
Chapter 25 discusses another important aspect of education, this time
dealing with character. Contemporary scholars such as Paul Tough and
Angela Duckworth and schools like the KIPP system have argued for the
importance of using the classroom to help students develop their noncognitive skills (also called behavior skills, or character). White trumpets,
Character building is the most important work ever entrusted to human
beings; and never before was its diligent study so important as now. Never
was any previous generation called to meet issues so momentous; never
before were young men and young women confronted by perils so great as
confront them today (225). Its as if she was writing specifically with the
year 2016 in mind! The tumultuous political election, the divisive national

rhetoric, and the discordant discussions in the church surrounding womens

ordination are all prime examples of how we strongly need to develop
children of character who are able to empathize, listen to others and the
Word of God, and practice compassion. White references Gods
commandments by concluding, Here is the only safeguard for individual
integrity, for the purity of the home, the well-being of society, or the stability
of the nation. Amidst all life's perplexities and dangers and conflicting
claims the one safe and sure rule is to do what God says (229). I do not
think that anyone would argue with the statement that the world definitely
needs more love and compassion, principles which we can base upon a
thorough study of Scripture.