The Educational Pedagogy of the Four Sons

Abstract

The Passover Haggadah speaks about the four sons—the wise, simple, etc. Using a method of biblical exegesis suggested by Rabbi Joseph Baer Soloveitchik, it is shown that these four sons implicitly define a two-dimensional learning model in which learners are classified in the dimensions of knowledge [details-simple] and respect [apathy-wickedness]. This biblical multidimensional learning model is compared to traditional contemporary learning models including the models of Kolb, Myers-Briggs, and Canfield. A recent comprehensive study of Gredler then shows that the biblical multi-dimensional learning model focuses more on global issues while contemporary learning models are narrower in focus. The learning models are analyzed and compared with respect to the attributes of consistency, utility, and learning style inventories.