Morfosis Educational Philosophy

Abstract

Early in the 21st Century it became obvious that the world has developed in multiple and complex directions which resulted in the pressing demand of a different type of citizen. Many of the previously well-established principles and values are under examination, and oftentimes are explicitly challenged. Any K-12 academic institution that holds as a central belief that knowledge is individually and socially constructed by learners who are active observers of the world, active questioners, agile problem posers and critical and creative problem solvers, must design, implement and promote an educational philosophy that mirrors the needs described above. This chapter discusses a new educational philosophy (Morfosis) that has been adopted by ACS Athens over the past decade. Morfosis is defined within the 21st Century framework, as a holistic, meaningful, and harmonious educational experience, guided by ethos. The chapter also advances the concept of successful vs. significant institutions, and shares recommendations on how to establish a culture that promotes and establishes the latter.